“All we ever wanted”, by Emily Giffin – a novel about privilege, entitlement, the erosion of morals, and (eventual) redemption.
A very thoughtful book, although I can’t get away from the (subtle) link between virtue and relative poverty. Where moral sense and introspection are found among the characters, it is invariably in those of more modest means. For those at the wealthier end of things, amorality seems to be the order of the day. (The one exception here, a sober-minded head teacher, is dismissively referred to, by one of the more vocal wealthy characters, as a “liberal”. In essence, not “one of us”. Indeed, the exception that proves the rule.)
The book ends rather suddenly. Having taken us along a considered, thoughtful pace for much of the book, the story is wound up very quickly in around three pages. The change in tempo is quite sudden. I had barely adjusted by the time of the last few paragraphs.
In sum, a very good story, beautifully told. The writer has a gift for telling a story from the perspective of different characters, and for immersing you so deeply in whichever character is giving the narrative at that time. Sometimes I felt like I wanted to “stay” longer with a particular character, but the writer kindly chivvied me along, introducing the next character (and her perspectives) with such gentle ease.
This is my first time reading Emily Giffin. It won’t be my last.
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