A Family Saga That Hits Home: A Review of The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
From the moment I picked up The Most Fun We Ever Had, a Reese’s Book Club Pick, I felt an instant connection to the characters on its pages. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate dynamics of family life—the love, the tension, the unspoken secrets. Claire Lombardo’s debut novel took me on an emotional rollercoaster through the lives of the Sorenson family, weaving a tale that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.
Set against the backdrop of Chicago from the 1970s to 2016, Lombardo vividly encapsulates the complexities of family relationships. At the center is the loving couple, Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson, who are blissfully unaware of how life’s trials will shape their four distinct daughters: Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace. Each daughter is struggling with her own demons—whether it’s grief, anxiety, uncertainty about motherhood, or the lies we tell ourselves to cope with the chaos of life. The arrival of Jonah, a child given up for adoption by one of the daughters, acts as a catalyst, unraveling the tightly-knit threads of their family secrets and forcing deep introspection and healing.
The themes of love, guilt, and redemption resonate beautifully throughout the novel. Lombardo explores how familial ties can be both a source of strength and a burden. Each character is developed with such depth that I found myself grappling with their decisions, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs. The pacing may be slow at times, but it serves to enrich the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters’ inner thoughts and the complexities of their lives.
One of the highlights for me was the way Lombardo crafts her prose—lyrical yet starkly realistic. For instance, a line capturing the essence of unconditional love struck me deeply: "Loving someone doesn’t always mean you like them." It’s a powerful reminder of the uncomfortable truths within family dynamics, and I found myself nodding in agreement.
Though not every reader may appreciate the book’s length or pacing, what made this story truly special was its ability to mirror real life. The characters’ flaws and imperfections are relatable, often evoking a sense of familiarity. I can easily see this novel inspiring countless discussions in book clubs, as it opens a gateway to exploring personal histories and family narratives.
Lombardo’s The Most Fun We Ever Had is an ideal read for anyone fond of family sagas rich with emotion and depth. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of life’s messiness—who understand that love often coexists with disappointment. Personally, this book left me contemplating my relationships, reminding me that the struggle of life is often beautifully rendered in the chaos of family. After closing the book, I found myself wishing there were more pages to turn, more stories to uncover.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a novel that expertly captures the essence of family life, filled with both humor and heartbreak, I couldn’t recommend this one more. You may just find it to be one of “the most fun” reads you’ve ever had!
You can find The Most Fun We Ever Had (Reese’s Book Club Pick): A Novel here >>