Modern Lovers

Reviews

Funny, poignant and beautifully observed Emma Straub is a magician, full of brilliance and surprise

** 'It's the beautifully drawn, vibrant characters that make this smart, compelling novel so irresistible.' Liane Moriarty **

From the New York Times Bestselling author of The Vacationers, Emma Straub brings us a sharply observed tale of modern love...

Twenty years later and they were supposed to be grown-ups...

Ditmas Park, Brooklyn.
Summer in the city . . .

College friends Elizabeth, Zoe and Andrew had a band, grew up, settled in New York and now they were still living round the corner from one another (and in each other's pockets).

One hot summer as their kids come of age, making those first hesitant steps into adulthood, it's the parents who find that the lives they've so carelessly stitched together begin to slowly unravel . . .

Hugely talented... intelligent holiday reading Smart and entertaining Hugely talented . . . if you are looking for some intelligent holiday reading then this is the book for you Straub writes with such verve and sympathetic understanding of her characters ... Reading this novel has all the pleasures of reading one of Anne Tyler's compelling family portraits [Modern Lovers] has the smart, cool sensibility of Straub's other novels, and you're sure to love this one just as much A funny and insightful look at love and relationships A lovely, satisfying early-summer read Straub's novel might be set in well-trod modern literary territory (the parenting world of brownstone Brooklyn), but what she does with this familiar milieu is smart and fresh, offering new insights into the lives of people all around us Thoughtful and hilarious, Modern Lovers proves growing up doesn't stop in adulthood [Straub] sets her observational wit on three middle-aged friends (former college bandmates) who find themselves in a crisis of identity as their now-grown children head off to college themselves What happens when you age out of your cool? It's a topic that filmmaker Noah Baumbach has explored, and Straub is his literary counterpart. . . With the multigenerational structure, it would be easy to compare Straub to other masters of the genre like Meg Wolitzer or Jennifer Egan, but she's already a master in her own right after The Vacationers, so Modern Lovers should prove to be a witty romp Wise and often hilarious, Modern Lovers is a testament to how the passions and secrets of our youth can last well into adulthood [Straub is] a precise and observant writer whose supple prose carries the story along without a snag. Straub's characters are a quirky and interesting bunch. . . it's a pleasure spending time with them Straub spins her lighthearted but psychologically perceptive narrative with a sure touch as she captures the vibes of midlife, middle-class angst and the raging hormones of youth. . . Readers will devour this witty and warmly satisfying novel Devilishly observed Sprinkled with humour and insight, this is a Brooklyn novel with heart Emma Straub is consistently excellent

Emma Straub is quickly making a name for herself as an author who can deftly toe the line between literary and popular writing-her books are easy to breeze through, but there's also food for thought for the discerning reader

Praise for The Vacationers Now this is what I call good holiday reading. Straub writes beautifully and amusingly . . . hard to beat for sheer charm and gentle wit Emma Straub puts the fun back in dysfunction There's nothing more addictive than a darkly funny dysfunctional domestic drama. Straub's novel-set during a fraught family vacation in Mallorca-is pretty much the perfect beach read Charming and absorbing, this is a novel that demands to be read in long, satisfying gulps A gorgeous and witty storyteller Witty and big-hearted . . . leaves you smiling for days For those unable to jet off to a Spanish island this summer, reading The Vacationers may be the next-best thing. . . . [A] gorgeously written novel . . . When I turned the last page, I felt as I often do when a vacation is over: grateful for the trip and mourning its end Delicious . . . richly riveting . . . The Vacationers offers all the delights of a fluffy, read-it-with-sunglasses-on-the-beach read, made substantial by the exceptional wit, insight, intelligence and talents of its author I loved The Vacationers; funny and poignant and beautifully observed Straub's novel is cast from the same mould as the likes of Liza Klaussmann's Tigers in Red Weather and Maggie Shipstead's Seating Arrangements . . . The Vacationers is a holiday read in every way with a gently witty narrative that slips down as easily as a beachside cocktail Emma Straub is a gorgeous and witty storyteller Intimate, epic, beautifully observed Witty and big-hearted ... leaves you smiling for days Charming and absorbing Expand reviews