Liane Moriarty, the bestselling author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, has done it again with her latest novel, Apples Never Fall. This is a story about the Delaney family, a family of four grown-up siblings and their parents, who are now in their seventies. The book is a perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and family drama, making it a page-turner from beginning to end.
Plot Summary:
The Delaneys are a well-known and respected family in their community, but beneath the surface, there are secrets and tensions that threaten to tear them apart. When Joy and Stan Delaney go missing, their children struggle to make sense of what has happened. Each sibling has their own suspicions and theories, but nobody can be sure what really happened to their parents.
As the investigation unfolds, the Delaneys’ secrets start to emerge, and the family is forced to confront their past and present struggles. Each of the four siblings has their own unique personality, and the author masterfully weaves together their perspectives to create a complex and captivating narrative.
Character Analysis:
The characters in Apples Never Fall are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own unique quirks and flaws. There’s Amy, the eldest sibling who is controlling and bossy, Logan, the only son who is struggling with addiction, Troy, the middle child who is the peacemaker, and Brooke, the youngest sibling who is a yoga instructor and always looking for a way to escape reality.
The parents, Joy and Stan Delaney, are also well-developed characters with their own secrets and hidden struggles. Joy is a retired tennis coach who is grappling with the loss of her identity, while Stan is a former professional tennis player who is facing his own health challenges.
Themes and Symbolism:
At its core, Apples Never Fall is a story about family, love, and the secrets that bind us together. The novel explores themes of trust, forgiveness, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The symbolism of the apple tree, which features prominently in the story, represents the idea that secrets can either be a source of nourishment or a poison that can destroy everything around them.
Writing Style and Pacing:
Moriarty’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, and she has a knack for creating characters that are both relatable and intriguing. The pacing of the novel is just right, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The author’s use of multiple perspectives helps to build suspense and tension, and the final twist at the end of the book will leave readers reeling.
Final Thoughts:
Apples Never Fall is a gripping and emotionally resonant novel that will leave readers thinking about the Delaney family long after they finish the book. The author’s skillful use of characterization and pacing creates a story that is both complex and deeply satisfying. Moriarty’s ability to capture the intricacies of family dynamics is on full display in this book, and it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery with a healthy dose of family drama.
If you enjoyed Apples Never Fall, you might also enjoy Moriarty’s other works: The Hypnotist’s Love Story: A Compelling and Intriguing Novel
