I really enjoyed The Best We Could Hope For by Nicola Kraus. This story follows multiple generations of a family. A very dysfunctional family with a lot of trauma I might add. We go through several decades and we learn how child abuse can affect every member of a family/extended family psychologically. There were some characters I would have loved to know more about as they pop in and out and some never to return or you don't get to know their "whys." And I would have loved to read more of Bunny's side of things. Overall, I recommend The Best We Could Hope For to anyone who enjoys immersing themselves into books about family drama.

I did enjoy this book, although I found it hard to settle into, the storyline was good but there almost seemed to be too much description and ‘chatter’ in a fast paced frantic way. A bit like watching The West Wing, everything seemed to be buzzing with everyone talking at once. Also there were big leaps forward without things being finished. That said the author has taken a frightening theme, child abuse, and shown the psychological effects on more than just the victim as it impacts on the whole family. All the characters are wonderful and very individual, I would have liked to have more time to meet each of them to learn their stories rather than jumping from childhood through adolescence to adulthood where we then find their problems and how they handle life. A satisfying end leaving things neatly tied up, but with the future opening up for the main characters to go forward and live their lives.

I love historical fiction that follows one particular family through generations. This book had a lot going for itself, maybe a little too much in my opinion. But it was always entertaining and it was fast to get through.

This novel is a stunning, powerful story of a family and how generational trauma stains an entire family history.

The book had a nice pace, but I almost would have liked two separate books… I would have liked to spend more time with each of the characters. I wanted more time with Jayne and Bunny, more time with Lin and Sage. With that said, the author does a beautiful job of showing the differences between generations, especially highlighting how secrets can destroy the very thing that keeps the family unit together.

This book is a warning. To anyone raising littles… protect your babies by healing yourself. Find the answers behind your behaviour, and move forward with love and peace. We don’t have to keep repeating the cycles. We don’t have to pass down the trauma.

There were parts about this book that I enjoyed and parts that I didn't.

First things first, the plot of the book was well constructed and the pace was effective, for the most part. It did start to lag and drag on towards the middle of the book and only picked back up again in the last few chapters.

This book covers a few decades of time and i feel it could have benefited being split into two books. The first one focusing on Jayne and the second focusing on Linden.

I commend this author's attention to detail and the realistic portrayal of the decades in which she wrote about, both the setting and the societal attitudes.

There were quite a few strong, moving and quotable passages throughout the book about like as a woman, motherhood and societal expectations that are placed on women.

the strong drawback that I faced was the lack of trigger warning awareness about child sexual abuse that readers were not pre-warned about going into the book. A lot of readers may have trouble with this topic, even though it was never detailed in the book.

This book really showcases how your behaviour, experiences and influence can shape your child in such a profound way. It is a good warning to any parent to be mindful about the attitudes that you have and how you go about raising your children. The portrayal of passed down generational trauma robbed Linden of much of her life and experiences. Seeing Linden struggle on a daily bases because of the trauma that Jayne passed on is a welcome warning to anybody that is raising young people. Your words and actions have lasting impacts, so make them count.

overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating.

WOW….
I’m kinda exhausted!
Whew …that feeling one gets when having been fully immersed in a good book.
I am impressed with the ambition it had to take to write this novel.
Congratulations to Nicola Kraus.
As a reader, I definitely picked up on her passion to tell this story.
Much of it works. It’s an engrossing story of endless chaos.
However, some of the writing is overly excessive with too many serious issues to examine thoroughly— yet— however, (again, however) …. the humanity in this story - the real. I can never fault that!!

Everything, including the kitchen sink gets at least a nod in this generational family story.
….Tears over a missed dinner?
….Surprises in marriage?
….How to be married? (a good husband-wife-or parent?)
….How to be separated, collect alimony and child support?
….deal with an and satisfying job?
….how to fix being unable to get pregnant?
….how to stop racism?
….how to deal with miscarriages?
….concern for voting rights?
….keep a job-get a job?
….write a book-be successful-rather than an asshole?
….buy a home?
….celebrate holidays?
….get an education?
….deal with adolescent?
….deal with middle age?
….family boundaries?
….sibling rivalries?
….raise healthy children?
….participate in charity
functions?
….safeguard democracy?
….deal with mental health issues?
….drug issues?
….fidelity issues?
….guilt?
…neglect?
…. justifications?
….accused of a crime?
….AIDS scare?
….new relationships come and go?
….learn tips from the therapist. (dissociate)?
…. deal with unsustainable, untenable, impossible situations?
….deal with a narcissists?
….eating disorders?
….estrangement?
…. anxiety disorders?
….advocate woman’s rights?
….be a friend?
….be a sexual human being?
….deal with changes, loss, struggles, love, and LIFE?/!?

I found the writing ‘interesting’.
There were connecting type sentences throughout.
Example:
“Through this searing, solid air, the sound pullulates. A harsh wall that strips her eardrums and lacerates her brain, scouring her from the inside”.

Some paragraphs were long
I had to read them twice… in order to contemplate the point.
Example:
“She’s waiting for her gallerist’s name to be called by the hostess in a scrum of people, umbrellas, dripping on squelching shoes, wet wool evoking childhood games of hide-and-seek, women pointlessly fussing at hair they correctly suspect has betrayed them, a tight pool of light corralling them all together, tired New Yorkers who are all somehow vying to pay to eat”.

Some paragraphs and scenes were fun to read.
The line between humor and tragic couldn’t be expressed better:
“Each day Jayne is an adrenalized whiplash of failure and achievement, the highs exalted—Brian burping, a validating crescent of white
sputum flying down his front. Or Sage putting her head on Jayne’s shoulder as she repairs Rogers clothes at the kitchen table. While the lows leave her sobbing on a side street—a broken toy in her hand, a spilled bottle down her coat, a lost sock—all a final verdict on Jayne Donoghue”.

A funny:
“How many beige cardigans did one woman need”.

Less funny (tragically sad):
Jayne’s sister, Bunny is long gone. Perhaps out west, or Mexico. Perhaps downtown, or across town, or really anywhere. Perhaps Bunny is still getting pregnant. Jayne hopes not.
Rescuing the first three kids of Bunny’s was more than enough.

My overall thoughts.
I enjoyed it!
I feel it has some flaws — but they are forgiving.
I also feel a warm heart for the author. This is my first time reading Nicola’s work.
Nicola Kraus is only 49 years old (I’m 72).
Her accomplishments inspire me.
This is the first book I’ve read by Nicola.

Nicola Kraus has co-authored with Emma McLaughin, ten novels, including the international #1
bestseller ‘The Nanny Diaries’,
plus ‘Citizen Girl’, ‘Dedication’, and ‘So Close’. Nicola has
contributed to the ‘Times’,
‘The New York Times’, etc.
Very impressive ambitious woman!!

Note:
I loved the “Author’s Notes” too

I enjoyed it very much. It was a very interesting read and I really liked how it turned out. I would recommend it 10/10

3.5 stars, rounded up.

This is a tragic family saga. I liked the characters and the story, and I liked how the author progressed through different decades. I found the writing itself good but overwrought at times, to the point of distraction.
Example:
“ ‘Oh,’ he says and looks up. Oh. That one syllable. The circle of recognition. The birth canal, a newborn reaching blindly for the perfect ring of its mother’s areola. A homecoming.”

Trigger warning for childhood sexual abuse.

## Book Review: *The Best We Could Hope For* by Nicola Kraus

Nicola Kraus’s *The Best We Could Hope For* is a poignant and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of contemporary New York City, Kraus weaves together a narrative that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, capturing the highs and lows of human experience with grace and compassion.

The story centers around Sophie, a dedicated mother and wife who finds herself at a crossroads when her husband unexpectedly announces that he wants a divorce. Devastated and blindsided, Sophie is forced to navigate the challenges of single motherhood while grappling with her own feelings of betrayal and loss. Kraus’s portrayal of Sophie’s emotional turmoil is raw and authentic, allowing readers to empathize deeply with her journey of self-discovery and healing.

Central to the novel is Sophie’s relationship with her two young daughters, Emma and Ruby. Kraus beautifully depicts the complexities of motherhood—the joys, sacrifices, and unconditional love that define Sophie’s bond with her children. Through moments of tenderness and vulnerability, Sophie learns valuable lessons about resilience and the enduring strength of familial ties.

The supporting characters in *The Best We Could Hope For* are equally well-developed and integral to the narrative. From Sophie’s fiercely loyal friends who provide unwavering support to her enigmatic and charming neighbor who offers unexpected companionship, each character adds depth and richness to the story. Their interactions with Sophie illuminate different facets of her personality and contribute to her growth throughout the novel.

Kraus’s writing is evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into Sophie’s world with vivid descriptions and poignant observations. The backdrop of New York City serves as both a vibrant setting and a metaphor for Sophie’s journey—a city of endless possibilities and unexpected challenges. Kraus captures the energy and diversity of the city, creating a backdrop that enhances the emotional resonance of the story.

Thematically, *The Best We Could Hope For* delves into themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of happiness. Sophie’s quest to rebuild her life and find fulfillment beyond her role as a wife and mother is a universal and relatable journey. Kraus skillfully navigates the complexities of Sophie’s emotions, portraying her evolution with sensitivity and insight.

The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with plot twists and revelations that keep readers engaged. Kraus maintains a steady momentum, allowing Sophie’s story to unfold organically while maintaining a sense of suspense and anticipation.

In conclusion, *The Best We Could Hope For* is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that resonates on multiple levels. Nicola Kraus’s exploration of love, loss, and personal growth is rendered with depth and authenticity, making this book a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. For readers looking for a story that celebrates the complexities of relationships and the power of hope in the face of adversity, *The Best We Could Hope For* is a must-read.

It is a testament to Kraus’s skill as a storyteller that she navigates Sophie’s journey with such sensitivity and nuance, crafting a narrative that is as enlightening as it is emotionally satisfying. *The Best We Could Hope For* is a triumph of heart and storytelling, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the strength found in love, family, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

I loved The Nanny Diaries so I had to read this. Well this is much different. This book was about mothers and trauma and really what makes us. There were a lot of characters in this book which I did not mind once I got into it. While the family is very dysfunctional and the book can feel depressing at times I just wanted to keep reading. The ending was satisfying. I am glad I was able to read this book and can wait for another great book by the author.

I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for fair and an unbiased review. This was the first book I read from the author. I usually really like fiction.

It was an easy book to read. I finished the book quickly. The book had a lot of characters. I had to remind myself who was whom. The book goes through a lot of time. The past is relevant to the future. The book goes through the characters lives.

I really liked the beginning of the book. I was so hooked and had no idea where the book was going. I loved the characters. Near the middle of the book I lost some of my enthusiasm for the book.

The characters are multidimensional and flawed. Usually these are the perfect characters in books for me. At some point, they seemed to damaged. I lost a little interest in the characters and the book. The stories became a little too much for me.

The book is about family, love, trauma, addiction, grief, and so MUCH more. The book is about unraveling and trying to start a new.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the book. I appreciate reading a very different book than I am used to.

Gosh, what a story! I can't thank NetGalley enough for the ARC of this novel. Kraus is an author I remember from years ago as I read and reread The Nanny Diaries. I enjoy her storytelling. This new book has rich characters with complex histories making it the ultimate win for me. I think this will be a popular book club selection. I plan to read it again with my mom and aunts. Well done!

I received an ARC of this forthcoming novel through NetGalley.

This is a family drama about a highly dysfunctional family. Atmospherically, the tone of this work is largely dark and often depressing.

There are many characters in this book, but only a few are focused on. First are a pair of sisters, Jayne and her younger sibling Bunny (formal name Barbara). Jayne is a relatively stable person, but Bunny runs away from home as a teenager. Years later she returns with three children, zero husbands and zero fathers. Bunny has no desire to be a mother, so Jayne takes over. How well does this works out? What does this do to Jayne and her marriage? How do the three children handle this?

The other main character is Lin, the daughter from Jayne's own marriage, born after Bunny's three children were taken under Jayne's wing. Much of the book is about Lin's struggle to find her way from her unusual upbringing.

The story goes into what caused all of this. Who is at fault?

This is a very intense story at times, with sexual abuse of children playing a factor in the plot.

Nicola Kraus is one of my must buy authors. I was honored to be able to review her newest book. This book was a fabulous story about the power of family, loyalty and healing. It was a masterpiece.

Exquisite! I needed this book. Every year I find a novel that speaks to me. This definitely ranks among some of my favorites, “The Nest”, “Pineapple Street” and “The Newcomer.” This is the story of Jayne and her daughter Lin. I who hate stories with too many characters, yet I loved each family ember depicted in this novel. Kraus manages to make them all important and sympathetic. Oh, they are a flawed family.

Jayne escaped her roots by going to Radcliffe and marrying the campus intellectual. Her sister Barbara fled her roots and came to Jayne to hand her 3 children she had collected during her travels. Jayne takes them on and adds to the family with 2 of her own children. The most undeveloped character is Rodger, Jayne’s husband, who is distanced from all the family except his adoration of his daughter Linden.

His love for his child becomes the catalyst for the decomposition of the family. Sadly, it’s a familiar story. Does excessive love showered upon a female child equate to molestation? With this heritage, Lin is the character I loved. She is lost in the mess and chaos that is her life. The family situation becomes more twisted with the return of Barbara.

Ultimately, we travel with Lin as she unfurls the world of her mother and aunt, Jayne and Barbara. The author gives the reader closure in a meaningful epilogue.

Thank you Netgalley for this fabulous novel that I will be recommending this year and pre-ordering for gifts for all the folks who will love it as I did.