I absolutely loved this book. I loved the writing, but more than that, I loved the exploration of the obsessive need for those who have been deserted by family members and never understood why. What happened to a father or mother or sibling who simply LEAVES? Are they alive? Did they create other families? Did they traumatize others?

Wilson explores this by using the children of a serial “abandoner” who are brought together by the first abandoned child, Reuben who has searched for information about his father. He has learned about his father’s newer progeny, and on a cross country road trip has gathered them together to confront their errant father.

So, we readers are treated to the journey of the HILL children from Boston to California as they create a family out of the leavings of their dad, CHARLES, CHUCK, CHIP, who has abandoned RUBE, MAD, PEP and TOM. I found their journey entertaining and compelling, since it was one of continuous search and discovery, not just for the elder Hill, but for each other and the meaning of family.

This is a wonderful read, but also such a thought provoking storyline. As I described this novel to several friends and family members, they all expressed fascination with the desire to find out what happened to cause the desertion. Some wanted to be invisible, but most loved the idea of confrontation with the person who caused such trauma and pain.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. Not only did I enjoy it, but it has created an incredible vehicle for discussion. I’ve been there, as has my daughter, so this novel is incredibly meaningful for us!