May We Be Forgiven
by A.M. Homes
480 pages, Paperback
Publisher: Grata (on April 4, 2013)
Release Date: September 1, 2012
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Book Summary
A darkly comic novel of twenty-first-century domestic life and the possibility of personal transformation
Harold Silver has spent a lifetime watching his younger brother, George, a taller, smarter, and more successful high-flying TV executive, acquire a covetable wife, two kids, and a beautiful home in the suburbs of New York City. But Harry, a historian and Nixon scholar, also knows George has a murderous temper, and when George loses control the result is an act of violence so shocking that both brothers are hurled into entirely new lives in which they both must seek absolution.
Harry finds himself suddenly playing parent to his brother’s two adolescent children, tumbling down the rabbit hole of Internet sex, dealing with aging parents who move through time like travelers on a fantastic voyage. As Harry builds a twenty-first-century family created by choice rather than biology, we become all the more aware of the ways in which our history, both personal and political, can become our destiny and either compel us to repeat our errors or be the catalyst for change.
May We Be Forgiven is an unnerving, funny tale of unexpected intimacies and of how one deeply fractured family might begin to put itself back together.
— from Goodreads
Book Review
“May We Be Forgiven” by A.M. Homes is a darkly comedic and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of family, identity, and redemption. With its compelling characters, sharp social commentary, and unpredictable plot, this book captivates readers from beginning to end.
A.M. Homes’ writing style is sharp, witty, and satirical, blending humor with underlying darkness. The author’s ability to balance humor and poignancy creates a compelling and engaging reading experience.
The novel tackles a range of themes, including the nature of forgiveness, the meaning of home, and the consequences of one’s actions. Homes raises questions about the fragility of family bonds and the impact of trauma on individuals and relationships. Through dark humor and unexpected twists, she challenges societal expectations and highlights the complexities of human behavior.
Overall, “May We Be Forgiven” is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that blends dark comedy with introspection. A.M. Homes’ sharp writing, memorable characters, and incisive social commentary make this book a rewarding read. While it may have some pacing issues and veer into the absurd, it ultimately delivers a powerful examination of family dynamics, redemption, and the search for personal meaning. Fans of literary fiction will find themselves engaged and moved by this captivating exploration of the human condition.
