The Middlesteins

Fun story about a dysfunctional Jewish family growing up in the suburbs of Chicago. Most of the references were similar to other stories about Jewish families. But I liked the references to the Chicago area, as I grow up in a suburb (although further west) also.

This is a story about how some deal with voids in their lives. It always amazes me how some people can face anything and move on with their lives and others break down and fall apart right before our eyes. 

In this story, Edie faces a divorce because her husband just can't deal with her overeating anymore. He feels powerless and refuses to watch her eat herself to death. Members of the family are appalled that he would leave his wife in her time of need.  Edie eventually dies and Richard attends the funeral. Everyone shuts him out, and his own daughter blames him for Edie's death. There is so much food at the funeral reception that Richard can't stop eating. Alone, with only food for company, it dawns on Richard why Edie ate so much: “Because food was a wonderful place to hide.” 

There is a silver lining at the end of this sad tale; Edie does not die in vain. She was loved by many. Her memory helps those in her life realize how blessed they are and how grateful they are for their loved ones.

This book has so many touchingly normal characters. It's refreshing. It's poignant. It's heartbreaking, even more so because it is occasionally so hopeful. I loved all the characters the way you love family members - with all your heart, if not all your mind. The main character, Edie, around whom all the other story lines revolve, is an imperfect and wonderful heroine. Attenberg does an amazing job of humanizing Edie, not allowing us to hold her at arm's distance but forcing us to embrace her in all her complicated, messy glory.