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Dinner with the Schnabels by Toni Jordan – A Review
If you’re in the mood for a novel that combines acerbic wit, fascinating characters, and a captivating plot, then you should give Dinner with the Schnabels by Toni Jordan a try. Jordan is an Australian author known for her unique voice and her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers. Dinner with the Schnabels is one of her latest works, and it has garnered a lot of attention from critics and readers alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the main themes and ideas presented in the book, analyze the writing style, and compare it to other works in its genre.
Themes and Ideas in Dinner with the Schnabels
At its core, Dinner with the Schnabels is a novel about family relationships and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect the ones they love. The plot revolves around the Schnabel family, whose members are all flawed and complex in their own ways. The patriarch, Wolfgang, is a successful architect with a dark past, while his wife, Bridget, is a former actress who gave up her career to raise their children. Their oldest son, Ivan, is a successful novelist struggling with writer’s block, while their younger son, Byron, is a failed actor who is constantly searching for validation.
When Ivan’s wife, Sarah, is diagnosed with cancer, the Schnabels come together to support him and their grandchildren. However, as secrets from the past come to light and tensions rise, the family must confront their own demons and make difficult choices about their future. Through it all, Jordan explores themes of forgiveness, loyalty, and the power of memory.
The Writing Style
Jordan’s writing style is one of the highlights of Dinner with the Schnabels. Her prose is sharp and witty, with just the right amount of sarcasm to keep readers engaged. She has a gift for crafting dialogue that feels realistic and natural, and she creates characters that are complex and multi-dimensional.
One of the standout features of Jordan’s writing is the way she uses humor to undercut tension and add depth to the story. There are moments in Dinner with the Schnabels that are laugh-out-loud funny, even as the characters are grappling with serious issues. This is a testament to Jordan’s skill as a writer and her ability to balance humor and drama.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the strengths of Dinner with the Schnabels is the way Jordan weaves together multiple storylines and characters to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. Each character in the Schnabel family is given their moment to shine, and their individual struggles are expertly woven into the larger story. This creates a sense of depth and richness that is often missing in novels with ensemble casts.
However, there are moments in the book where the pacing lags, especially in the second half. While the first half of the book moves briskly, the second half feels somewhat stagnant as the characters circle around the same issues without making much progress. Additionally, some readers may find the ending a bit too neat and tidy, with all loose ends tied up a little too neatly.
Comparison to Other Works in the Genre
Dinner with the Schnabels is a novel that will appeal to fans of family dramas and domestic fiction. Its themes and subject matter are similar to works like Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. However, what sets Dinner with the Schnabels apart is its razor-sharp wit and clever dialogue. Jordan’s writing style is more reminiscent of writers like Maria Semple and Jess Walter, who specialize in injecting humor into otherwise heavy subject matter.
Overall Impression and Recommendation
Overall, Dinner with the Schnabels is a well-crafted and engaging novel that is sure to delight readers. While it’s not perfect, it’s a solid addition to the family drama genre and a testament to Jordan’s skill as a writer. If you’re in the mood for a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then you should definitely check out Dinner with the Schnabels.
FAQ
Who is Toni Jordan?
Toni Jordan is an Australian author known for her unique voice and her ability to craft stories that resonate with readers. She has written several novels, including Addition, Fall Girl, and The Fragments.
What is Dinner with the Schnabels about?
Dinner with the Schnabels is a novel about family relationships and the lengths that people will go to in order to protect the ones they love. It revolves around the Schnabel family, whose members are all flawed and complex in their own ways.
What is the writing style of Dinner with the Schnabels?
Toni Jordan’s writing style is sharp and witty, with just the right amount of sarcasm to keep readers engaged. She has a gift for crafting dialogue that feels realistic and natural, and she creates characters that are complex and multi-dimensional.
How does Dinner with the Schnabels compare to other novels?
While Dinner with the Schnabels shares similarities with other family dramas and domestic fiction, what sets it apart is its razor-sharp wit and clever dialogue. Jordan’s writing style is more reminiscent of writers like Maria Semple and Jess Walter, who specialize in injecting humor into otherwise heavy subject matter.
Would you recommend Dinner with the Schnabels?
Yes, Dinner with the Schnabels is a well-crafted and engaging novel that is sure to delight readers. While it’s not perfect, it’s a solid addition to the family drama genre and a testament to Jordan’s skill as a writer.
