3.5 stars ~ Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways and Riverhead Books for providing an ARC. Recommended for fans of: This is Where I Leave You, Little Fires Everywhere, and Emma Straub’s previous work.  

All Adults Here is a multiple perspective novel that presents an introspection on the Strick family as they navigate the fallout of secrets old and new, and difficult choices that shape familial dynamics. One of the key themes, and perhaps the most important, grapples with understanding how the relationships we form with our parents shape us and influence the way we, as adults, create our own families. While the text offers nuanced character development, aspects of the plot’s mechanics and resolution are somewhat dissatisfying. 

{Some minor spoilers ahead}

This novel is at its best and most interesting when author Emma Straub pulls back the curtain on each character’s conscience. The glimpses into these inner thoughts and feelings provide brief and intimate moments of connection, where the reader is invited to reflect on their own family history. Though the characters have disparate experiences, the variety paints a cohesive picture that would not be nearly as accessible if this novel had been written in the first person or from only one perspective. 

A prime example of the beneficial contribution of the multiple perspectives is the great care with which Straub created some of the most interesting, yet peripheral characters. Chapters focused on August (later Robin), Wendy, Barbara, and Rachel– though not all directly related to the novel’s primary plot– remind the reader how critical it is to remember that stories are not singular nor linear. By giving voice to various angles and sharing more detail than we might have gotten from Astrid alone, the narrative is far more realistic, and ultimately enjoyable, than it might otherwise have been. 

Despite these positive aspects, the book did fall short for me in a number of ways. Where it succeeds as a character study, it lacks a certain forward plot motion. That’s often the trade off with texts that are so meticulously focused on a certain understanding and transformation of characters. I would say that a number of novels do this more effectively, with This is Where I Leave You being a stand out.

As a result, it is a bit disappointing that the resolution of the plot feels rushed towards the last thirty or so pages of the novel. I personally became unengaged near the conclusion of the book where the multiple climaxes are intended, and had to re-read several sections to remember what had just happened. I found myself wanting more from the ending, which may in fact be what Straub intended- just as the Stricks at certain points in their development have wanted more from themselves and each other, I believe that they all still had some growing to do. I’d like to see that revisited in a potential follow-up.

Ultimately, this is a light read that will be popular for summer beach trips (if we’re ever allowed to have them again). I recommend this book for readers who like a slow burn plot with a couple of surprising twists and turns, as well as an emphasis on character development and meticulously well-written exploration of family affairs.

All Adults Here is scheduled for release on May 4, 2020 from Riverhead Books publisher. For those interested, you can pre-order All Adults Here from your favorite local indie bookstore. Pittsburgh Local Stores include:

White Whale Bookstore: http://whitewhalebookstore.com/

City of Asylum Bookstore: https://www.cityofasylumbooks.org/

or anywhere else on IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/indie-bookstore-finder