Barnes & NobleThe Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

How Money Can Bind and Divide

“The Nest” is a compelling exploration of how money can complicate and strain family relationships. The novel revolves around four siblings who stand to inherit a trust fund left by their father, a man who worked diligently to build a modest fortune. His intention was never to make his children wealthy, but rather to offer them enough financial support to ease certain burdens, such as paying off a mortgage or funding their children’s education. However, thanks to market fluctuations, the trust fund—dubbed "The Nest"—grows far beyond its original intent. As the story unfolds, a family crisis leads one sibling to desperately need the money to avoid legal and public disgrace. This moment puts immense pressure on the other siblings, whose own plans and dreams hinge on the dispersal of the trust. What follows is a tense examination of family dynamics and how money can both bind and divide. The novel’s strength lies in its rich characterization, offering deep insights into how each sibling views and values money in different ways. It’s a thought-provoking read, prompting reflection on how financial needs and desires can sometimes obscure what’s truly important—relationships, loyalty, and love. In “The Nest”, those deeper values are sacrificed by a few, leading to damaged relationships that might never be fully repaired. It’s a cautionary tale about the powerful, and sometimes destructive, role money can play in our lives.