All Adults Here: A Novel by Emma Straub

Emma Straub’s All Adults Here is a heart-warming and thought-provoking novel about family, life, aging and coming of age.

The novel follows the stories of three generations of the Turner family as they cope with the profound effects of growing older, as well as the generational differences that can arise between parents and their children. Centred around matriarch Astrid, the novel tells the story of her struggle to accept the changes accompanying her later years, the consequences of the choices she made in her past, and how it all affects her relationships with her children and grandchildren.

Astrid’s daughter Nelson is a single mom in her mid-forties, who is struggling with the emotional aftermath of her divorce. Nelson’s teenage daughter, Cecelia, is struggling with her own issues, including being a lesbian in a conservative town. Nelson’s son Elliott is a giant of a man, a tattoo artist who faces a range of challenges as he navigates his adult life.

The family proves to be resilient in the face of the major life changes they encounter, and they soon grow closer together. As they all approach the future together, they come together to learn the importance of understanding and forgiveness, and the fragility of life in unexpected ways.

Through humour and keenly honest observations, Straub explores the complexity of family relationships and the human experience. She delves right into the complexity and structure of the family unit and addresses issues such as loss, strained relationships and unfulfilled dreams.

All Adults Here is a book that will resonate with readers no matter their age or stage in life. It will leave readers feeling nostalgic, grateful and served with a reminder to take life in stride and accept change gracefully. It is a book that will make readers value the moments of joy and connection between loved ones and appreciate the beautiful fragility of life.

Emma Straub has crafted a moving and compelling story about family, growing older and coming of age, proving to be a perfect read for a lazy Sunday afternoon. It is a book that readers won’t want to put down, and will take with them for years to come.