64 pages • 2 hours read
Jean Hanff KorelitzThe Latecomer
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz follows the Oppenheimers, a New York Jewish family, over 25 years as they experience separation and reconciliation. The story begins with Salo Oppenheimer meeting Johanna at his girlfriend Mandy’s funeral, where Salo was the driver in the fatal accident. Despite knowing he doesn't love Johanna, Salo marries her, and they have triplets, later adding a fourth child, Phoebe, through a surrogate. As the triplets grow up and lead independent lives, family tensions and secrets, including Salo's affair and unresolved grief, surface, impacting their relationships. Phoebe, determined to understand her family's fractured state, visits each sibling to uncover the past and bring the family together, culminating in a wedding that signifies reconciliation. Topics including terrorism, loss of a loved one, and relationship complexities are present in the narrative.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jean Hanff Korelitz's The Latecomer is praised for its intricate plot and well-developed characters. Critics appreciate the blend of wit and emotional depth, though some find the pacing uneven. The novel's exploration of family dynamics and personal growth is compelling, but a few reviewers mention that it drags in certain sections. Overall, a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Latecomer?
Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and family sagas, particularly fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere, will find The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz compelling. The novel’s intricate exploration of complex family dynamics and personal secrets will captivate those who appreciate deep, nuanced storytelling in contemporary fiction.