2.5 Stars
I chose this book because it appeared on a number of summer
reading lists. My conclusion is that it
is indeed a book for the beach – entertaining but not requiring much thought.
The Plumb siblings expect an inheritance meant to be divided
amongst the four of them when Melody, the youngest, turns 40. Unfortunately, a few months before her
birthday, Leo, the eldest Plumb, makes some choices that have disastrous
consequences; to avoid publicity, the Plumb matriarch depletes the nest egg so
there is only $50,000 for each rather than the $500,000 expected. The problem, of course, is that they have
pre-spent their anticipated portions, so they must now figure out how to deal
with their financial problems.
The story is about four privileged, entitled adults who have
built their lives on the promise of a trust fund. I found it difficult to identify with any of
them or to feel any sympathy for them. They
have only themselves to blame. Leo is
the most irresponsible but all are self-absorbed and shallow. And they keep believing Leo’s lies because of
his charm and charisma though he has repeatedly shown himself to be unreliable
and selfish! Their problems are
definitely what one character identifies as “’luxury problems.’” Their preoccupations make them blind to their
advantages.
Obviously, the siblings have to learn a lesson. Could it be that it is not wise to “count the
chickens before they hatched”? Could it
be that with hard work and realistic ambitions, they can achieve their goals
without relying on an inheritance? Could
it be that there are more important things in life than money (e.g. family,
love)? Can you guess that this is not a
complex novel?
Apparently, the author received a million-dollar advance on
the book, but I don’t understand why. There
are some humourous sections where the author pokes fun at the foibles of the
four siblings and other idle rich New Yorkers, and the narrative is entertaining. But there is nothing exceptional about the
writing, and the ending is predictable and sentimental.
Pick up this book only if you want an unchallenging,
feel-good read.
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