The Delicate Dance of Suburban Discontent
You know that moment when you’re folding laundry or waiting in line at the grocery store, and suddenly you’re hit with the realization that your life isn’t quite what you expected it to be? That nagging feeling that despite all your efforts to keep it together, everything might just fall apart at any second? Claire Lombardo’s latest novel, “Same As It Ever Was,” dives headfirst into this murky pool of mid-life malaise, serving up a story that’s as uncomfortable as it is utterly captivating.
A Suburban Symphony of Discontent
At the heart of Lombardo’s novel is Julia Ames, a 57-year-old librarian who’s spent the better part of her adult life trying to outrun her tumultuous past. On the surface, Julia’s got it made – a stable marriage, two kids, a job she doesn’t hate (most days), and a cute dog named Suzanne. But underneath that carefully cultivated veneer of normalcy? Well, that’s where things get interesting.
Lombardo, known for her keen observations of family dynamics in her debut “The Most Fun We Ever Had,” proves once again that she’s a master at peeling back the layers of seemingly picture-perfect lives. With Julia, she’s created a protagonist who’s both utterly relatable and frustratingly human. You’ll want to shake her one minute and hug her the next – and isn’t that just like life?
The Plot Thickens (Like Custard Left Out Too Long)
Just when Julia thinks she’s got a handle on things, life throws her a few curveballs:
- Her son Ben drops a bombshell: he’s getting married… oh, and his fiancée is pregnant.
- Her daughter Alma is grappling with college rejection letters and an identity crisis.
- A chance encounter with an old friend (and I use that term loosely) threatens to dredge up some long-buried secrets.
It’s like watching a Jenga tower wobble – you know it’s going to fall, but you can’t look away.
Lombardo’s Literary Prowess: A Deep Dive
Character Development: Peeling Back the Layers
One of Lombardo’s greatest strengths is her ability to create characters that feel like real people – flaws, quirks, and all. Julia, in particular, is a masterclass in complex characterization. She’s not always likable (who is?), but she’s painfully authentic. Her internal monologue is a constant battle between the person she wants to be and the person she fears she is.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. Mark, Julia’s steady husband, provides a grounding presence, while their children, Ben and Alma, showcase the author’s knack for capturing generational differences. And let’s not forget Helen Russo, the enigmatic figure from Julia’s past who threatens to upend everything.
Prose That Packs a Punch
Lombardo’s writing style is like that friend who always tells it like it is—refreshingly honest, occasionally biting, but with moments of unexpected tenderness. She has a gift for capturing the mundane details of everyday life and imbuing them with deeper meaning. It’s in these quiet moments that Lombardo’s talent truly shines.
Themes That Resonate
“Same As It Ever Was” tackles some heavy themes, but does so with a deft touch:
- The weight of past decisions
- The complexities of motherhood
- The struggle to maintain identity within a family
- The fear of becoming irrelevant
These universal themes, explored through Julia’s specific experiences, give the novel a resonance that lingers long after the last page.
The Good, The Bad, and The “Oh No She Didn’t”
What Works
- Character development: As mentioned, Lombardo excels at creating fully-realized characters.
- Emotional depth: The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions, exploring them with honesty and nuance.
- Pacing: The story unfolds at a satisfying clip, with enough twists to keep you engaged.
- Humor: Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments of genuine humor that provide much-needed levity.
Room for Improvement
- Subplot overload: At times, the numerous storylines can feel a bit overwhelming.
- Predictability: Some plot points are telegraphed a bit too clearly.
A Note on Discomfort
Fair warning: This book might make you squirm. Julia’s choices aren’t always admirable, and there are moments when you’ll want to reach through the pages and give her a good talking-to. But that discomfort is intentional, forcing readers to confront their own biases and judgments.
The Verdict: To Read or Not to Read?
If you’re looking for a light, breezy read to take to the beach, this ain’t it, chief. But if you’re in the mood for a novel that will make you think, feel, and maybe even re-evaluate your own life choices? “Same As It Ever Was” delivers in spades.
Lombardo has crafted a story that’s both intimately personal and universally relatable. It’s a reminder that even in our most settled moments, life has a way of shaking things up – and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of character-driven literary fiction
- Anyone navigating the murky waters of mid-life
- Readers who appreciate complex family dynamics
- Those who enjoy a good cry (or laugh) with their reading
Who Might Want to Skip It?
- Readers looking for a plot-heavy, fast-paced story
- Those who prefer their protagonists to be consistently likable
- Anyone triggered by discussions of infidelity or family conflict
The Final Word
“Same As It Ever Was” is like that friend who shows up unannounced with a bottle of wine and proceeds to spill all the tea—it’s messy, it’s intense, but damn if it isn’t exactly what you needed. Lombardo has solidified her place as a keen observer of the human condition, unafraid to explore the uncomfortable truths we all grapple with.
So, grab a copy, find a comfy spot, and prepare to be both unsettled and utterly captivated. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself side-eyeing your own life choices afterward. That’s the power of great literature, folks—it holds up a mirror and asks, “You good?”
For Further Reading
If you enjoyed “Same As It Ever Was,” you might also like:
- “The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo (her debut novel)
- “Fleishman Is in Trouble” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
- “The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen
- “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout
These novels share similar themes of family dynamics, mid-life challenges, and the complexities of long-term relationships.
Remember, as Julia Ames might say, “Life’s a mess, but it’s our mess.” Happy reading!