“We are allowed to have two feelings at once,” said Kenneth. “We are human beings not ants.”
- The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg
The Rumpus Book Club’s October selection, The Middlesteins (288 pp., Grand Central Publishing, $24.99) by Jami Attenberg, presents a cross section of emotions. Sadness and Joy. Desperation and Love. Each feeling represented with pain at its epicenter.
At the center of the novel is Edie Middlestein. Edie has life-threatening, health problems due to obesity. Despite her prognosis Edie cannot kick her food habit. She loves the comfort and solace she finds in food. As Edie’s health problems worsen, her husband Richard leaves her, sending the family into a tailspin.
The story is told through the eyes of Edie and her immediate family members. Each chapter has a revelation about the family and pushes the story ahead. Also, each POV feels fresh. Attenberg has a talent for creating distinct, memorable characters. With The Middlesteins, Attenberg crafted a novel that is devastatingly poignant with a dash of humor.
{Edie’s struggle with obesity resonates with me, because I’ve had my own struggles with weight. Earlier this year I lost 55 pounds. I had gotten up to 220 pounds, and losing the weight was one of the hardest goals I’ve ever reached. I live in fear the food will call to me again… I wish I could hug Edie.)
Kudos to The Rumpus Book Club for picking another excellent novel! If you love to read and also enjoy to participating in passionate book club debates, then you should join TRBC. It’s awesome.
Required Middlesteins Reading:
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
You’ve sold me, Mandy! This book sounds terrific and is going on my list. Congrats and applause on your weight loss!