The Latecomer A Novel

The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz is a reprint edition published by Celadon Books on June 6, 2023. This 448-page literary novel explores the intricate dynamics of the wealthy Oppenheimer family in New York City, focusing on the lives of three siblings—Harrison, Lewyn, and Sally—who are eager to escape one another. The narrative unfolds from the tragic meeting of their parents, Salo and Johanna, to the decision Johanna makes to have a fourth child after the triplets leave for college, introducing a new layer to their already complex family relationships.
Readers will find a layered exploration of themes such as family life, coming of age, and the impact of generational trauma. The Latecomer delves into the emotional landscape of grief, guilt, privilege, and the challenges of familial bonds. Through its deliberate pacing and character-driven storytelling, the novel presents a profound examination of how the arrival of a “latecomer” can shift the dynamics within a fractured family. This edition is presented in English and offers a thoughtful narrative that invites reflection on the complexities of family and identity.
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*A New York Times Notable Book of 2022*
*A Washington Post Notable Work of Fiction*
*An NPR Best Book of the Year*
*A New Yorker Best Book of 2022*
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Plot, Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Latecomer is a layered and immersive literary novel about three siblings, desperate to escape one another, and the upending of their family by the late arrival of a fourth.
The Latecomer follows the story of the wealthy, New York City-based Oppenheimer family, from the first meeting of parents Salo and Johanna, under tragic circumstances, to their triplets born during the early days of IVF. As children, the three siblings – Harrison, Lewyn, and Sally – feel no strong familial bond and cannot wait to go their separate ways, even as their father becomes more distanced and their mother more desperate. When the triplets leave for college, Johanna, faced with being truly alone, makes the decision to have a fourth child. What role will the “latecomer” play in this fractured family?
A complex novel that builds slowly and deliberately, The Latecomer touches on the topics of grief and guilt, generational trauma, privilege and race, traditions and religion, and family dynamics. It is a profound and witty family story from an accomplished author, known for the depth of her character studies, expertly woven storylines, and plot twists.
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