Long Island Compromise: A Novel by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

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Product Details

Web ID: 20312119

NATIONAL BESTSELLER An exhilarating novel about one American family and the dark moment that shatters their suburban paradise, from the New York Times bestselling author of Fleishman Is in Trouble New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice New York Magazines Beach Read Book Club Pick Belletrist Book Club Pick Joins the pantheon of great American novels. Los Angeles Times Exuberant and absorbing . . . a big old-fashioned social novel. The Atlantic Were we gangsters? No. But did we know how to start a fire? In 1980, a wealthy businessman named Carl Fletcher is kidnapped from his driveway, brutalized, and held for ransom. He is returned to his wife and kids less than a week later, only slightly the worse, and the family moves on with their lives, resuming their prized places in the saga of the American dream, comforted in the realization that though their money may have been what endangered them, it is also what assured them their safety. But now, nearly forty years later, it's clear that perhaps nobody ever got over anything, after all. Carl has spent the ensuing years secretly seeking closure to the matter of his kidnapping, while his wife, Ruth, has spent her potential protecting her husband's emotional health. Their three grown children aren't doing much better …

  • Product Features

    • Taffy Brodesser-Akner (Author)
    • Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
    • Publication Date: 07-09-2024
    • Page Count: 464
    • Hardcover
    • Fiction
    • 9.4 (w) x 6.4(h) x 1.6 (d)
    • ISBN: 9780593133491
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Ratings & Reviews

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1 month ago
from Jonesboro, IN

Great Read

Going into this book, I had watched a few episodes of the series based on her first novel and really enjoyed it. I was very hopeful that I would really love the writing style and I absolutely did. It did take me a bit to get locked into this book. The long chapters were a bit intimidating at first, but once I was locked, it did not matter. I loved the complexity of the family members and how they not only had great in depth, but really correlated well to the overall picture of the family's experience. The last part was quite hard breaking. I have already purchased the first book from this author and cannot wait to read it. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

4 months ago

Underrated, Of Course

So, it’s not a romantasy or horroristical fiction or some other popular nonsense, as such, not worthy or recognition. While there are a few chapters that are definitely heavy with the description of addiction, this book is unique, hysterical, and absolutely GENIUS in its depiction of trauma. Maybe would benefit from a ‘highbrow’ label in addition to the dark satire description, because it’s going to take a thinker to appreciate what this author has created.

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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

6 months ago
from San diego

Fun Read!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group for the advance reader copy of "Long Island Compromise" by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. I absolutely loved this book except for all of the crazy sex stuff which was fortunately minimal because I didn't feel like it added to the story. That said, just skim over that because the rest of the book is fantastic! The book really explores the generational trauma of what would otherwise be a "normal" Jewish immigrant family. The backstory to the various personalities in the family is explained by the underlying story that ties them together, whether the like it or not. This book was so relatable for me due to the references to Jewish customs and culture and the way the older generation relates their trauma and discusses it (or doesn't discuss it!). Added bonus was the sense of humor throughout the book. On shelves now! #LongIslandCompromise #NetGalley.

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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

6 months ago

Multigenerational Family Drama

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner begins with the kidnapping of Carl Fletcher, a factory owner in Lon Island. Although the actual kidnapping lasted a week, the aftermath continues to affect his immediate family and grandchildren for decades. The novel examines the lives of Carl’s family; Ruth, his wife; and Nathan, Beamer, and Jenny, his children. All of them suffer from inherited trauma and are extremely dysfunctional. And for the reader, they are purposely unlikeable. Although I am a sucker for a good multi-generational family drama, this one was meandering. The last chapter is preachy and seems out of place. I also feel like the resolution is too “tidy”. Unfortunately, due to the graphic sex and drug references, I cannot recommend this to my high school students.

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

6 months ago
from Pensacola Beach

Very Good

A compelling and thought provoking novel that delves into family, trauma, and the lasting effects. The writing is evocative and sharp and the plot is filled with moments of profound reflection. A very good read. Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

8 months ago
from B&N Home Office

The funniest book you'll read this year

This was a really great read, the writing is fast-paced, frenetic, and packed with detail. The dialogue and internal monologue for each character really brings them to life, a highlight being the scene with Beamer and the cheesecake. Thematically this really hit home for me, bringing together generational trauma, Jewish family dynamics, the class and wealth divides in society and much more into a real blockbuster of a story.

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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

9 months ago
from Norristown, Pa.

A Disappointment

I bought this book last week. The main character has so many problems that it is tiresome. I waded through 200 pages and finally heaved the book. The premise of the book is clever but the unfolding of the plot was exhausting to read.

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

10 months ago

entertaining family drama

This novel had me scoffing, laughing, cringing, and walking away with the impression that terrible people usually get away with their terrible behavior, especially when they are extremely wealthy. The Fletcher family is hard to root for but it was certainly entertaining to read about them. Each chapter gives us a glimpse into one of the Fletcher’s lives. Beamer is a screenwriter who got lucky once and continues to churn out awful and offensive scripts. He is keeping many secrets and addictions from his wife, Noelle. Nathan is an underachieving lawyer who is also lying to his wife. Jenny is the youngest Fletcher, and the one most eager to have a separate identity. Reading this was challenging at times due to the structure (long chapters and a stream of consciousness flow) and numerous characters. I do think the payoff is worth the time invested. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com