I received this book from the publisher.

Salo and Johanna Oppenheimer tried having children. After many times trying, they still hadn't conceived. It was recommended that they try IVF. Johanna's eggs were harvested and 4 viable embryos were available. At this time, IVF was a new procedure and still viewed as experimental. With no guarantee as to implantation, the doctor implanted three. Much to everyone's surprise, all three eggs successfully implanted and grew. The arrival of the Oppenheimer triplets was a joyous event for their mother. How would three children that were born together get along? What happens to the fourth embryo? When Johanna feels she has been abandoned by the triplets for college, she decides to use the remaining embryo. 

Jean Hanff Korelitz explores family dynamics in this deep look into the Oppenheimer family. The first three children may have been born at the same time but that seems to be all they have in common. Are the bonds between siblings real?  Does a sibling relationship change with tragedy? How does the youngest child feel about their place in the family? It is interesting to see how the youngest feels toward the siblings that are adults. In many ways, the youngest Oppenheimer seems to be the most logical and mature.

The author's perspective on early childhood being an indicator of adult life is interesting and her characters are equal parts charming and frustrating. 

Being a sibling is complicated and messy. This book does an outstanding job of showing the frustrations siblings have with each other and their parents. Can they develop sustainable relationships without their parents? Check this wonderful story out and see.

My Rating:  🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻