A Likely Story: A Novel by Leigh McMullan Abramson
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Web ID: 16376268Art imitating life imitating art
I just finished reading Leigh McMullan Abramson’s first novel, A Likely Story, recently published by Atria Books. Prior to its publication, Ms. Abramson not only worked as an attorney but also as a journalist, her stories having appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and others. I was given an advanced reader’s copy of the novel from NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily. I thoroughly, 100%, enjoyed reading this book for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that I found the title to be most clever and apt after reading the first several chapters. The book is written in the third person but alternates among many different characters’ perspectives, most notably Isabelle, her parents Ward and Claire, and her best friend Brian. It also skips back and forth in time over the course of Isabelle’s 35 year life and her parents’ relationship. Despite the varying timelines and skipping between different characters’ points of view, the story is easy to follow and understand. It doesn’t rely on complicated language or pretentious vocabulary; instead, it’s a very down to earth manuscript. This doesn’t mean, however, that the book lacks depth or doesn’t evoke strong feelings, because it evoked many strongly felt feelings in me. Although it contains several sad and awkward moments with which I empathized and sometimes made me squirm, I found myself smiling for much of my reading. I like the conceit and found it to be quite clever. It’s basically a story of art imitating life and life imitating art. I recommend reading this as a casual beach read or to read on vacation.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Who wrote the manuscript?!
Who wrote the manuscript? Ward, the famous father? Claire, the long-suffering mother? Or was it Isabelle, who grew up to be a writer? I wasn't sure if I was supposed to know who wrote these excerpts sprinkled throughout the book. I decided to just read the book. Although I eventually thought I'd figured it out, I was never quite sure. I can't imagine being the child of a famous writer or being married to one, but I don't think it mattered. The author, Leigh McMullan Abramson, did a masterful job of portraying Ward's and Claire's relationship, especially Ward's dismissive and belittling way of treating her. When Isabelle came along, Ward sequestered himself in his office, leaving Claire to parent alone. The secrets make "A Likely Story" intriguing. I read much of it in one sitting because I just had to know who wrote the mysterious manuscript and what happened to it. This is Abramson's first novel. I'm looking forward to her next one.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Book within a book
To tell the truth I struggled with A Likely Story! Parts of the book were very good, and I could not turn the page quick enough. But……….Many sections came to a screeching halt for me, and I found myself needing to re-read. In the beginning, I really felt for Isabelle when her mother, Claire, died. Isabelle’s father was a famous author but he was aloof and stuck in his fame. There are reasons he is like he is, but they are not evident for a long time. I liked the idea of the book within a book; however, it was hard keeping characters straight until I started taking notes, and the book within the book made more sense when Isabelle discovers something in a dresser drawer. My favorite character was Glenda, and I wish the author used her more. A good family counselor would be a good addition to the story. I am going to see the author at an author luncheon in Indianapolis in April, and I am anxious to hear what Leigh Abramson has to say about her book. My thanks to Atria books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A powerhouse with realistic characters, must read
This book is a powerhouse! I cannot overstate how much I loved it. It was smart, honest, precise and real. The sincere portrayal of a marriage, a family and a life from different perspectives and point of views was enlightening and remarkable. The characters were not only relatable but raw and unvarnished. This will probably be my favorite book of the year and I can’t wait to read much more from this brilliant author.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A literary fiction debut worth reading
Another worthy debut! Literary fiction which was slow paced, yet it held my interest throughout. Mind you... the characters were not very likeable. Riddled with entitled attitudes, fragile egos, elitist lifestyles, and emotional insecurities, some of them, like the egoist Ward Manning, were downright odious. Isabelle herself has been thoroughly damaged by her father on many levels. The recent death of her mother finds her floundering with grief, and causes her to reach an emotional crossroads. The book was a sort of 'coming-of-age' novel even though the protagonist was in her mid thirties. My favorite character was Claire Manning. Despite her bitter resentment of her husband, she was the glue that held the family together and she was an excellent parent to Isabelle. There was a 'book within a book' permeating the entire novel. I found them to be almost mirror images of each other which would have led to some confusion - were it not for the clear headings that delineated them. I have to say that the title was an excellent choice which was a perfect fit for the story. With themes of white privilege, the need for vindication, bitter resentment, betrayal, provenance and plagiarism, this novel was an interesting take on writing, publishing, and finding your own voice. I enjoyed the writing, and admire the author's talent even though the characters and story were not completely to my liking. I look forward to reading her next book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Emotional and Clever Debut Novel
Aspiring author Isabelle Manning is turning 35 and isn’t quite where she thought she’d be at this point in her life. Ever since she was a little girl, all she’s ever wanted was to be a published novelist like her father, the New York Times bestselling literary icon Ward Manning. Already struggling professionally and financially, Isabelle is also reeling from the unexpected death of her beloved mother Claire, whose love and support provided a stable counterpoint to Ward’s fame and swagger. In the aftermath of Claire’s death, Isabelle discovers secrets that she never knew about her family and something that will change her life forever. This remarkable debut novel is a richly crafted and complex family drama with beautiful prose. I especially enjoyed the book-within-a-book, which cleverly holds a mirror up to the characters as it slyly parallels their lives. The reader gains intimate insight into the emotions and motivations of these flawed characters through multiple perspectives in both the past and present. This means some characters aren’t always likeable or, in the case of the narcissistic and insufferable Ward, downright loathsome. That’s okay though, you’re meant to dislike Ward, he’s one of those characters you love to hate. His distasteful attitude and behavior and attitude are critical to Isabelle’s character arc. Isabelle, it must be said, is spoiled and entitled and frequently unlikeable herself, but I couldn’t help rooting for her to turn out to be a decent human. With so many emotions and layers to peel back, A Likely Story would make a fantastic book club pick, sure to inspire lots of discussion.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A riveting debut with fantastic characters.
We get family discord, friendship drama, self-obsession, ambition, mystery, and more. Upon reading the beautifully written prologue, I knew A Likely Story would be an engaging, surprising story - I loved it. Ward Manning knew he would be a famous writer one day and he was right. Nineteen novels later he continues to enjoy literary fame and a privileged life in NYC and Sag Harbor. So what if he hasn't been an attentive parent? After all, he has given his child the best gift of all - association with a great American novelist. Ward's daughter, Isabelle, wants to be a famous writer and is giving it her all. Isabelle is 35 years old and isn't ready to give up just yet, though she is losing hope of becoming a published novelist. When she discovers a long-hidden family secret, everything Isabelle thought she knew about her parents is upended. The story is told from the points of view of Ward, Isabelle, Claire (Ward’s wife and Isabelle’s mother), and Brian (Isabelle’s best friend suffering from his unrequited love of Isabelle). I recommended this anyone interested in an engaging and propulsive story about marriage, love, family, and how far some will go to gain or maintain their success. Thank you very much to Atria Books for the opportunity to read a copy.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A different take on dysfunctional famous writer
I really enjoyed this new novel which has characters and a plot line I found appealing, as a fulltime freelance writer for many decades. . The story is about a famous novelist and his ne'er-do-well daughter who is in her mid 30s, trying to figure out her life and try to finish her first book, which seems to have been started ages ago. It is set against the death of her mom, and interwoven we are privy to the draft of a novel (which plays an important role in the character's lives without giving away any spoilers). The description of literary life in NYC and all its trappings and ridiculousness resonated with me, as do the challenges of 30-somethings. The novel concerns the relationship of the famous writer to his wife and daughter, how the three of them collaborated on various projects, and the perception of the dad towards his family members. That is about all I can say in this review, but it is deliciously wicked, real, and poignant. Being related to the writer and enduring his oversize ego drives many of the plot points along. At one point the daughter feels that "writing was like being on a submarine, where she spent years being submerged, silent and secret, working toward the day where she would have something to show for all her time underwater." The novel is interesting, amusing, and thoughtful and I highly recommend it.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com