Worth the Hype: Jetsetters

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I am a fan of reading about family dysfunctional as well as a fan of Amanda Eyre Ward, so the novel, “Jetsetters” is a win-win for me.

“The Jetsetters” tells the story of the Perkin family, which is led my matriarch, Charlotte, who writes an essay that supposedly leads to the prize of a Mediterranean cruise for herself and her three children, Lee, Cord, and Regan. The children have grown apart from each other and their mother; each also shields secrets that will naturally be uncovered throughout the course of this cruise.

Charlotte, who has recently lost her best friend, wonders if there is any life left to live. Lee, broke and unable to get any acting gigs, is burdened by helping her mother cover-up her father’s death and fears her own story will hold the same sad ending.  Cord is recently engaged but is afraid to tell his family he is gay. Meanwhile, Regan has lost herself in an unhappy marriage.

Alternating the different point of views of Charlotte and her children, the book is divided into section based on the different destination the cruise ship takes.  Ms. Ward’s descriptions of the ship and the different stops put the reader right on the ship with the family. Though parts of the novel are laugh out hilarious, the novel also wrestles with hefty topics such as alcoholism and suicide

Ms. Ward writes at a lively pace as she weaves through the Perkins’ trials and tribulations. Charlotte, especially, is very likable as she struggles to reunite her family as well as fall in love for perhaps the first time ever. For any fan of a well-written story that resonates with the reader long after you finish the final page, I highly recommend this book.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me an advanced copy.

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