I’d forgotten that the book is loose modernization of Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome. You don’t need to be familiar with that classic to enjoy this humorous and ultimately profound story about a family dealing with misogyny and social media. It takes place during the Brent Kavanaugh hearings so it takes a bit of an adjustment to read within that context. The ending takes a surprising turn that attempts wrap up themes and the title somewhat successfully. Despite the humor and excellent writing, this isn’t a must read. ( )

Interesting book set in 2018 during the Supreme Court hearing. It feels like ancient history. Can we be saved from bad politicians bad politics and crazy situations. Where are the good people. Well worth the read. ( )

A marriage spirals out of control when the issues of our day—cultural, political, and social—become intensely personal in this fresh, whip-smart novel

DNF. No likeable characters fifty pages in, and it just reminded me about how I didn't like the original Ethan Frome either.

Middle-class student Ethan falls in with exuberant rich-kid Randy at college and joins him to found an innovative media company. Twenty years later and Ethan is living in the New England countryside with his family. Daughter Alex is hyper and struggling with school, she has few boundaries. Wife Zo is avoiding her work as a filmmaker and is becoming more involved with her activist group. Also living with them is Maddy, the daughter of an acquaintance. When Randy is accused of sexual harassment, he asks Ethan to help him out and Ethan feels obliged as his only source of income is the company that he founded. Against the background of #metoo and the increasingly splintered social media, Ethan tries to remain true to himself.
Whilst this is a very pointed book, it is also very entertaining. the scene of Ethan taking mushrooms if particularly funny. However also at times I felt the author tried just that little bit too hard. It's a fun read but almost feels a little too conscious of itself at times. ( )