The Survivors by Alex Schulman

This book is being marketed as having similarities to ATONEMENT, which is true. But an important point needs to be made: that book had romance at its core, whereas THE SURVIVORS is entirely centered on one family’s internal dysfunction. 

What struck me most about this book is that the author seems to have an astute understanding of psychology. The dynamics between these three brothers and their flawed mother and father seems incredibly well-thought-out and believable. I was struck most by the characterization of the mother, whom I thought was a brilliantly complex character. I also was impressed at how each of the three boys specifically chose to interpret and manage what was lacking in their childhoods in their own unique ways.

Overall, I found the writing to be lovely and enjoyable, but I caution anyone who is drawn to this because of the mystery elements that this is much more literary fiction than mystery. The book summary mentions that this is a ‘thrillingly fast-paced narrative,’ and I find that description very misleading.

The story, which is told through non-linear, alternating timelines, feels more like a slow unwinding of a haunting and at times confusing nostalgia. (Which is often how our own childhoods can feel, am I right? Or is it just me?). 

Yes, it does have some elements of mystery to help keep the reader engaged, and it does culminate in a big reveal, but it luxuriates in descriptive memories on its way there. In summary, I’m suggesting that if you go into this expecting something in the genre of literary fiction (for example, while reading this, the work of John Irving came to mind for me), you’ll most likely enjoy the story and not be frustrated by its slower pacing and nostalgic meanderings.

This was a beautiful and moving book that I’m glad I read. I’d recommend it to fans of literary fiction who are not afraid of stories with some depth and sadness. 

This came out in the U.S. on Oct. 5!

Thank you Doubleday for the ARC!