I’ve heard many rave reviews for this but I’m a bit of an outlier here. I thought Cole’s prose was gorgeous. He is clearly a talented writer, but the plot was lacking here for me. This was a more character driven story, which is difficult for me as a reader when none of the characters feel relatable. How does he make a struggling small town guy seem pretentious? In spite of the wonderful writing, this one fell flat for me.

I’m drawn to stories about siblings. Fulfillment is about two half-brothers returning home to small-town Kentucky in search of better lives, happiness, and fulfillment. Cole’s writing is beautiful and this would be a good read for this that enjoy slower, character-driven novels set in the South.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for this ARC.

We follow 2 half brothers, Emmett and Joel as they return home to Kentucky at the same time. Joel is a published author, a college professor, and has a lovely wife Alice. He is back home to do a guest lecture spot for a semester at a small college. Emmett is back home after failing and being broke and is working in the warehouse of a massive fulfillment center.

They both spiral in different ways over the next few months and at the center of both their lives and future is Alice who has been unhappy in her marriage with Joel and finds the attention she seeks in Emmett.

Despite this novel not having quotation marks, I adored this book. I could not put it down, and if life did not get in the way I would have read it in one sitting. The characters were so achingly human I could swear I was reading a memoir of real people. The characters dynamics and even the story arcs were so well written. I have absolutely nothing in common with any of the characters and yet they felt so relatable. Over all this story was *chef's kiss*

Emmet is a college dropout who works at an Amazon like package distribution centre and dreams (unrealistically) of becoming a screenwriter. His more successful half brother Joel is smart and educated, working as an academic in New York he has published a book of essays. He is his mother’s favourite and together they constantly put Emmet down for his lack of ambition and direction while Emmet in turn resents Joel’s success.

Joel is married to Alice, who dropped out of graduate school to marry him and now dreams of living on a small farm. She no longer enjoys what has become a loveless marriage, although Joel doesn’t seem to have noticed this. When the three of them come together at Emmet and Joel’s mother’s home in Kentucky, the clash of their hopes and dreams results in an upending of their relationships and futures.

This literary novel explores what it is like to live in contemporary America. Emmet is symbolic of the working poor, caught in the never-ending whirlpool of working mindless and tiring jobs for minimum wages and never getting to fulfil their dreams. Joel, part of the educated elite, is smug and self-centred, unable to see, let alone understand another person’s point of view and Alice is a young woman yearning to leave the city behind and live a more authentic, fulfilled life.

Although the novel develops slowly and none of the main characters are likeable, they are relatable and the writing is propulsive as it drives the three of them towards a trainwreck you can see coming. The three points of view are expertly woven together as the two brothers’ worlds self-destruct. There are some interesting secondary characters which add flavour and some humour to the commentary. Although I didn't enjoy the novel as much as the author's debut 'Groundskeeping', it is one for those who enjoy character driven tales peppered with contemporary political and social commentary. Some readers may find the lack of speech marks distracting.

Lee Cole has written a dynamic novel that perfectly portrays the complications of family, career and life in general in the flyover section of contemporary USA. On one side, Joel, the educated, successful brother who has moved to New York with his wife and cat, has written a well-recieved memoir of essays about his tragic upbringing in Kentucky, complete with poverty, alcohol and drug use. Emmett, the younger “unseen” brother, drifts from job to job, seemingly unconcerned about his “career” until both brothers arrive at the family home in Paducah, where expectations and the desire for fulfillment clash.
The best part of this novel is the characterizations. Joel is not very insightful, though he believes himself to be a great thinker. And Emmett is much more insightful and intelligent than the reader expects him to be. Between them, Alice, Joel’s wife, and Kathy, their mother serve as a brilliant contrast of the roles of women in down home society.
The descriptions of the countryside feel authentic, highlighting the “brushstrokes of irrelevance in the landscape itself, especially as contrasted to Manhattan, where despite the dream of living there, one still feels isolated, banished and yearning.
I had not read Cole before but look forward to reading more in the future. Fulfillment was released on July 17, 2025, by Knopf Pantheon Vintage, and Anchor Knopf. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

Lee Cole's Fulfillment has a lot of elements I liked in particular the dynamics between two brothers in different financial situations with different relationships to home. Cole sets up these two on a collision course with high stakes. I enjoyed the sense of place in this novel and the economic ideas explored. This is realistic literary fiction focused on character that is smart. While there is much to admire, I found myself setting it aside and forgetting about it for a time, likely a reflection of the book not meeting my moment and the slow escalation of tension to quite keeping my mood reader brain engaged.

I am from Appalachia and this author has this part of the country down to a T. I enjoyed reading this book because it was so realistic. The characters are half brothers. One brother successful and the other one a worker in a fulfillment center. Neither are happy or satisfied with their lot in life. Lee Cole is a great writer who brings out the despair and hopelessness of rural America. This is a slow, somewhat sad book but also an interesting read. I recommend this highly.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this interesting ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Brothers Joel & Emmett have returned home to rural Kentucky. On sabbatical from NYC, Joel is a Marxist scholar who writes essays about the destruction of the South. Emmett is a wannabe screenwriter drifting from job to job who lands a gig at the nearby Amazon-like package hub. Neither brother is happy. Nor is Joel's idealistic wife Alice who wants to buy land and garden. They all flounder trying to find a way to something better. But what is a 'good' life? What is a better life? A book about family, place, and the hold they have on you. A soft pick. Neither Joel, Emmett, nor Alice are particularly likable people and they spend most of the novel making terrible decisions. But I was invested enough to see how things would end. And I appreciated Cole's focus on writing a story set in rural Kentucky, and not reducing it to cliche or ignoring its problems

Two half-brothers, as different as they come, each searching for happiness and a sense of fulfillment in their own way.
Cole paints a vivid picture of rural Kentucky, Emmett sees its quiet beauty and roots, while Joel sees its unraveling. Despite the contrast, life continues, and so do the people living it.
It was a bit slow for me at times, but rich in detail and atmosphere. A thoughtful read that lingers more in emotions than action.

# A Worthy Follow-Up: Fulfillment by Lee Cole ⭐⭐⭐⭐

After being thoroughly impressed by Lee Cole's debut novel *Groundskeeping*, I approached *Fulfillment* with high expectations—and I'm pleased to say Cole delivers another compelling exploration of contemporary American life that doesn't disappoint.

Set against the backdrop of rural Kentucky, *Fulfillment* follows two half-brothers whose lives couldn't be more different. Emmett works the night shift at a massive fulfillment center while nurturing dreams of screenwriting that seem perpetually out of reach. His step-brother Joel has achieved the academic success that eludes Emmett—he's a published author and professor whose work examining his own Kentucky roots has brought him recognition in literary circles. When Joel returns home with his wife Alice for a teaching position, the brothers' reunion forces them to confront old wounds and new complications.

What makes this novel particularly engaging is how Cole refuses to paint his characters in simple strokes. Joel's success comes with its own burden of expectation and creeping paranoia, while Emmett's struggles reveal a dignity that transcends his circumstances. Alice emerges as perhaps the most compelling character—a woman whose intelligence and passion have been slowly dimmed by the constraints of marriage and societal expectations.

The affair that develops between Emmett and Alice provides the emotional core of the story, but Cole wisely avoids making this the sole focus. Instead, he uses their connection to examine broader themes of class, privilege, and the different ways people search for meaning in their lives. The Kentucky setting becomes almost a character itself, representing both the comfort of home and the limitations that can trap people in cycles of unfulfillment.

Cole's prose maintains the authentic, heartfelt quality that made *Groundskeeping* so memorable. He has a gift for capturing the rhythms of working-class life without condescension, and his exploration of family dynamics feels genuine and lived-in. The fulfillment center where Emmett works serves as a perfect metaphor for modern American capitalism—a place where people perform repetitive tasks that feel disconnected from any larger purpose.

While the novel occasionally feels heavy with its themes, and some readers might find the overall tone quite bleak, Cole's skill lies in finding moments of genuine human connection amid the struggle. The ending, without giving anything away, offers a satisfying resolution that feels earned rather than forced.

*Fulfillment* confirms that Lee Cole is a writer worth following. His ability to examine the intersection of personal ambition and economic reality, while creating characters that feel authentically human in their flaws and aspirations, makes this a standout work of contemporary literary fiction. For readers who appreciated the depth of *Groundskeeping*, this novel offers another thoughtful meditation on what it means to find purpose in modern America.

This is a story about the universal pursuit to find meaning in life.

Fulfillment is a captivating read set against the backdrop of America’s South. The story revolves around two brothers: Emmett a struggling screenwriter who works in a packaging depot by night, his step-brother Joel a talented but angst-ridden academic who’s married to Alice an intelligent and passionate woman who finds her spark dimmed by the tedium of marriage - all trying to find meaning and purpose.

As their lives intertwine, Emmett and Alice unexpectedly find love, leading to a whirlwind of complications. This family drama touches on themes of love, class, privilege, and the ever-elusive search for fulfillment.

The writing evokes the styles of literary legends like Jonathan Franzen and JD Salinger—authentic, heartfelt, and strikingly relatable.

Cole skilfully weaves subliminal messages throughout, reminding us that we’re all just trying to navigate life in our own beautifully messy ways.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can’t wait to read Cole’s first novel, Groundskeeping.

A heartfelt thanks to Lee Cole, @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for a copy of this.

Fulfillment is a family saga focusing on 2 brothers from a small town in Kentucky. Joel is the success, who became a professor and best selling author by writing about his hometown. Emmett is working at a fulfillment center, and both are spending more time with their mother, who is plagued by paranoia and conspiracy theories. Alice, Joel's wife, is along and develops feelings for Emmett. There are a lot of topical issues, like labor topics and deep fakes, which are more central to the story than the romance aspect. The book is easy to follow, but at the end, I'm not quite sure what is the take away message.

What a compelling read! Lee Cole does an excellent job adding humanity and nuance to the complicated relationship between the two brothers- Emmett and Joel. I read it quickly in two days. Loved the setting, the characters and all of their flaws. Especially enjoyed the setting of Kentucky and how all the characters weren't just stereotypes or tropes. Interesting and compelling look at sibling rivalry for sure.

This story had a lot of potential- great writing, interesting exploration around what it means to feel fulfilled in life - but ultimately I wasn’t rooting for any of the characters and the overall tone of the story remained bleak to me. I’m glad I read it and the great writing makes me want to read his previous novel, Groundskeeping. But I wouldn’t recommend this to most readers.

This is a story of 2 half brothers who have returned to Paducah KY.
Joel is the older brother, an academic who has recently published a book.
Emmitt is younger, and has just taken a job at a package distribution center as a handler, who dreams of being a screenwriter.
Joel is married to Alice, but their marriage is stagnant and although they both realize it, there is no attempt to resolve the issues or even to discuss. Alice would ideally work on a farm, tending crops.
None of the characters were likable and the love triangle felt contrived to me.
Emmitt kept making poor choices in his work, personal life and in his relationships.
The story was slow and I could not relate to any of the characters. There was no levity in the book or tension, and Joel's philosophizing seemed out of place. I could not buy when he went to the writers conference, and took on the persona of another author, and carried on throughout the day- what was the point?
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and these opinions are my own.

Fulfillment is a quiet, deeply observant novel that surprised me with how much it lingered after I finished it. Lee Cole has a gift for capturing the subtle tensions of everyday life, especially in moments that feel overlooked or routine. The story unfolds with a kind of steady emotional honesty that drew me in more and more with each chapter.

The writing is sharp and deliberate, and the main character’s voice felt both grounded and searching. I appreciated how the novel explores work, class, and identity without ever feeling heavy handed. It doesn’t rush to make a statement, and that restraint made its insights feel all the more resonant.

What I loved most was how human everything felt. The relationships were messy and realistic, and there was a rawness to the characters that made even the quieter moments feel powerful. Fulfillment isn’t flashy, but it’s thoughtful and affecting in a way that stays with you.

@aaknopf | #partner Dang! I was really expecting to love 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧, Lee Cole’s sophomore novel, but it just didn’t move me the way 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 did. He’s such a fantastic storyteller, so the big question is why not? I’ve been asking myself that question for the last several days, with very few answers! The two books actually have much in common:⁣
⁣
•⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Both are set in a rural, slightly depressed Kentucky town.⁣
•⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Both are coming-of-age stories.⁣
•⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Both feature a young man returning to KY after venturing out elsewhere with little luck.⁣
•⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Both men have family members they care deeply for and others they don’t quite connect with.⁣
•⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Each has a love interest that may or may not be good for him.⁣
•⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ In both books the writing is striking in all the best possible ways.⁣
⁣
I did enjoy both stories, but the two may have been just a little too similar. There was so much overlap that the parts that didn’t lineup really stood out. For me, the main such part was in the protagonists themselves. I just plain liked Owen in 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 much more than 𝘍𝘶𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵’𝘴 Emmett. I was interested in Emmett and wanted to see what choices he’d make, but I 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃 about Owen. I also wanted to feel more drawn into Emmett’s relationships. At times it felt like they existed on a different plane from him. This was still a beautifully told story, as you should expect from Cole, but I was expecting a little more heart. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨

Two half brothers in their 30’s return to their mother’s home in Kentucky.
Emmet is s college dropout with dreams of being a screenwriter who got a job at a packing warehouse and Joel has written a book and is a professor who came home with his free spirited wife Alice…for a teaching job at a local college.
These three are unhappy with their lives but don’t know how to change their circumstances.
The story is gritty, truthful, and messy.
It’s about the South, brotherhood, and class.

It was a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the Arc in exchange for my honest review!

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I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a wildly relevant and relatable book for the times we are living in. The banter between characters was very entertaining. I recognized some people I know in real life in each character. Loved the way the author showed class and privilege as major themes in this book. It was an easy read and very enjoyable since there was some humor in it that had me actually giggling out loud. The second book that I’ve read from this author and I enjoyed it as much as the first.

This was a very entertaining and engaging read that I finished in a few hours.
A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages. 
A great novel.