All I Love And Know by Judith Frank– 422 pages
Book Blurb:
For years, Matthew Greene and Daniel Rosen have enjoyed a quiet domestic life together in Northampton, Massachusetts. Opposites in many ways, they have grown together and made their relationship work. But when they learn that Daniel’s twin brother and sister-in-law have been killed in a bombing in Jerusalem, their lives are suddenly, utterly transformed. In dealing with their families and the need to make a decision about who will raise the deceased couple’s two children, both Matthew and Daniel are confronted with challenges that strike at the very heart of their relationship. What is Matthew’s place in an extended family that does not completely accept him or the commitment he and Daniel have made? How do Daniel’s questions about his identity as a Jewish man affect his life as a gay American? Tensions only intensify when they learn that the deceased parents wanted Matthew and Daniel to adopt the children-six year old Gal, and baby Noam. The impact this instant new family has on Matthew, Daniel, and their relationship is subtle and heartbreaking, yet not without glimmers of hope. They must learn to reinvent and redefine their bond in profound, sometimes painful ways. What kind of parents can these two men really be? How does a family become strong enough to stay together and endure? And are there limits to honesty or commitment-or love?
My Review: 2.5 stars
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I liked the idea for this book however in my opinion it fell short in execution. I thought (wished) there would have been a more intense custody battle and that the legality of the will was more thoroughly challenged. I love multi-themed books with a plethora of ideals, complications, relationships and interests, but usually they are woven together in a way that creates a complete picture. This book went in so many directions that I’m not really sure what the author was trying to get across. Was it about gay couples’ struggles and successes, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, infidelity, parenting, mourning, being a twin, surviving the Holocaust, terrorism, raising children or dealing with your identity? Too many things were touched on, but not deftly explored. Additionally, sometimes the author switched the character’s point of views within the same page. For me, with all that was going on, I never became fully vested in the characters lives so I chose not to finish the book.
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I enjoyed reading your comments: THANK YOU Good Book Fairy!!!
…..(thought about how it was for you –the book moving in many different directions and you wished for a more intense custody battle, etc.) A much lower rating for you than me.
All I know is I really was involved deeply….I really ‘loved’ it. I still think about these characters -and their situations -and the many challenges on their plates…(the children too).
There was almost no time to morn the death of this Joel and Ilana –(the kids needed to be cared for) I thought all Gal’s tantrums were real……and the struggles Matt and Daniel had in trying to parent and live with the tensions of their relationship were real.
I got a lot of value….but I can see what you say. Thanks for letting me comment. This book is staying in my thoughts.
Great commentary Elyse!! Thanks for your input!