The Hazards of Good Breeding

by Jessica Shattuck

Book Overview

This "richly appointed and generously portrayed" (Kirkus Reviews) debut novel tells the story of a WASPy, old-Boston family coming face to face with an America much larger than the one it was born in. Told from five perspectives, the novel spans an explosive week in the life of the Dunlaps, culminating in a series of events that will change their way of life forever.

Caroline Dunlap has written off the insular world of the Boston deb parties,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393324834
• ISBN13: 9780393324839
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Terrific

What are the hazards of good breeding? For Caroline Dunlap, a recent college graduate returning home for the summer, the summer, the hazards include divorced parents, a mother who has lost much of her grip on reality, a father who can't connect with his children, a younger brother who is a bit of a social misfit, an ex-boyfriend babbling on and on about living in Tibet, boring parties and even more boring people. Much of the action in the novel is seen through Caroline's eyes and luckily for the reader, Caroline sees through most of the garbage in the wealthy world she grew up in. The novel makes for entertaining reading and is very reminiscent of Cheever and O'Hara, but is told with more of an obviously discerning eye. Enjoy.

Charming book, sure to delight

I highly recommend this book. Unlike many keenly-observed, character-driven novels, this novel has a plot that hooks you in immediately. And unlike many witty writers, this one pokes fun at her characters but treats even the most unsympathetic ones with tenderness. There are countless observations that will make you laugh out loud as well as scenes that are truly touching, but never saccharine. It is very well-written.This is one of those books that make a great gift--with it's multiple perspectives, it would be perfect for almost any reader.

A must-read debut novel

If you are looking for a book that you won't want to put down, one that is beautifully written, clever, funny and smart, then this is it. I predict that it will be one of those books that you'll want all of your friends and family to read. Written from multiple perspectives, the author has an uncanny ability to naturally convey the emotions and thoughts of an entire family. There are few books that you can read over and over--this is one of them and I know it will do incredibly well. I would buy stock in this book!

TOP NOTCH

Really, truly, and genuinely great. HAZARDS tells the story, in shifting perspective, of the rapidly unraveling Dunlaps, high-WASP New England family. Great and big cast of characters...amazing specificity...surprising momentum and build. And it's a first novel. Kind of frightening.Enjoy.

Gripping and Profound

I was impressed by the author's piece in The New Yorker this fall and have been waiting patiently for this debut novel. It was well worth the wait. The Dunlap family and their hangers-on are reminiscent of characters previously rendered by Updike and Cheever, yet totally original. The author reveals character depths far beneath the usual surface that is merely glossed in a first novel. Although the plot turns on a fascinating mystery, what I think sets this work apart are its brutally honest yet empathic insights into the inner lives of its characters, and by extension into the complex nature of any family. I highly recommend this book, and suspect that the author's public profile is about to rise considerably.