The Imperfects

The family dynamics in this novel didn't grab me - loving grandmother, unstable mom, three screwed up adult children - but the mystery did! There's a deathbed-found brooch that looks like an orchid with a yellow rhinestone at the center - but wait...it's not glass, it's an incredibly valuable yellow diamond that went missing when the Hapsbergs were overthrown. But how did a quiet little Jewish bubbe in Philadelphia end up with it? The story gets better as the family history in Europe is revealed and the lives of the three children begin to revolve around the inheritance issues, featuring the fending off of lawsuits from two foreign governments and a formerly missing dad. Bit of a disappointing ending, but a good combination of genres.

The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a highly recommended drama about a dysfunctional family and a unbelievable inheritance.

When their grandmother, Helen Auerbach, passes away, estranged siblings Beck, Ashley and Jake and their mother, Deborah Miller, must come together to face old resentments and betrayals. Helen's will leaves her house to Deborah, which all three of her children resent. It also leaves a brooch to Beck, which also causes friction, especially when they learn that the large yellow stone in it is very likely the Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat yellow gemstone that went missing from the Austrian Empire a century ago. It is worth millions and Becks two siblings and her mother are all eyeing the monetary value. The inheritance show more problem, among so many other issues they have individually, is that the diamond needs to be authenticated and the ownership of it, the provenance, needs to be proven.

If you think your family has issues, then meet the Millers. Deborah has let her children down for years and did little to care for her mother. Beck made sure her Grandmother Helen was doing alright, so it seems natural that Helen's most valuable possession would be bequeathed to her. Naturally, if you need money because your part time job isn't cutting it and your girlfriend is pregnant (Jake) or if your husband is involved in some illegal shenanigans (Ashley), you are going to resent your younger sister for the inheritance. Oh, this is a motley crew of dissatisfied people who must now work together to prove their legal ownership of the Florentine Diamond. It gets even more complicated when news of the diamond gets out and various countries and estates file a claim to it.

The well-plotted narrative is told through the alternating points of view of all four Millers, who are portrayed as flawed, but well-developed characters. They struggle to work together to uncover the secrets of Helen's past even while their personal resentments keep rising to the surface. The family's interpersonal struggles almost overshadow the investigation into Helen's past and the mystery of how she came into possession of the diamond. It will become clear to the reader early on that even if they get a 10 million dollar payoff from selling the diamond, it is doubtful they'll be happy. The ending is somehow right and wrong at the same time in this entertaining but sometimes exhausting novel. 3.5 rounded up

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Harlequin/Park Row Books.
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A sprawling, complex family drama, smoothly paced and moving. Characters often make the most foolish possible decisions, which is frustrating to read, but somehow it all holds together. I like how you barely get to experience the matriarch before her death, and yet the book ends up building a full and realistic portrait of her life. All of the main characters are severely flawed and immature in one way ot another, but somehow end up being likeable anyway. All in all, a really good read. Recommended.

A sequel novel of magnificent proportions

Having loved Amy's debut novel, The Bookshop of Yesterdays, I was excited to learn of her next one. The matriarch of the family passes and a granddaughter inherits what appears to be a costume jewelry brooch. With meticulous research Amy tells a story of a family that uncovers unknown mysteries and with each piece, momentum builds. While the characters aren't unique, the story and plot twists make up for it. Then like a magician, she distracts the reader in order to avoid what might seem predictable. The mark of a good writer is creative weaving of plot elements with relatable characters and story. Worthwhile in all respects, I'm eager to read Amy's next book

I love flawed characters and redemption stories, but this book also offers exceptional writing and authenticity. Each character felt amazingly realistic. Add the unfolding historical mystery, and you have a very satisfying read. Be prepared to become engrossed.

Free on Hoopla (I paid for this book with no regrets because it was so well-written).

I listened to this on audio. It took me awhile to really get into it but that's not the books fault! I was involved with getting my Dad settled into assisted living and very short of time. I listened and finished this book yesterday whole driving back home and loved it! The story of an imperfect family and how they handle the inheritance of a famous diamond.

Like my reaction to Meyerson's The Bookshop of Yesterdays, I was engaged through most of the book. However, the ending was unsatisfying to me—too sudden and pat. Too, her main characters (at least based on these two works) tend to be self-centered and immature. I just felt let down by the end of the book.