A Friend of the Family

by Lauren Grodstein

Book Overview

The New York Times bestseller that "unfolds with suspense worthy of Hitchcock . . . Grodstein is a terrific storyteller." --The New York Times Book Review Pre-order author Lauren Grodstein's new... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565129164
• ISBN13: 9781565129160
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Friend of the Family

Really loved reading this book. How much the father loved his son and tried so hard to protect him.

Compelling Novel Deserving Six Stars

From the very first page and the well-executed movement from flashbacks within flashbacks, Lauren Grodstein captured my full attention. Narrated by the main character, Peter Dizinoff, M.D. an internist who believes he is liberal but wants a conservative, orderly life, the story is a both a mystery and the derailment of a family. Centered around Dizinoff's family: wife Elaine and son Alec interacting and bonding with the Stern Family who have four children, they experience profound problems with Alec and the Stern's oldest daughter, Laura. Joe Stern is also an M.D., but he is a specialist, and Pete Dizinoff feels he is not quite as brilliant as the specialists. This story provides us with many observations and medical ranking is one of them. The novel opens when Pete's world is crashing down on him, he may be tried for malpractice, he has lost his upscale suburban offices and is relegated to sleeping above the family's garage. How did this all happen? Grobstein's flashback technique and use of nostalgia is brilliant. Fraught with Alec's college drop out status and his obsession with his only child, a strong plot unfolds when Laura Stern returns to the Stern family after her wanderings. Her history (not to spoil the story) implodes her family and now directly affects Pete and his only child. Pete's obsession with Laura and her past consume him and can capsize his marriage and the flimsy connection to his only child. At one point, Pete describes Laura "and she ran a carcinogenic hand up and down my son's bare wrist." There is also a Jewish family culture, which impacted the Dizinoffs and the Sterns. The two couples were brought up in strong Jewish homes with smart, loving parents and had been rather observant in their religion. As they grew into successful adults, they may have lost some of the rituals but they hung onto some Jewish guilt, fierce protection of their children and unfailing pursuit of education as a means to success. Their passion for the families is a steady fixation. I had a hard time putting this book down.

A Fantastic Journey Into the Heart of a Family

This novel is a beautiful portrayal of the desperation of desire, the innocence of love and the pain of loss. A pleasure to read for the entire duration, I have bought copies to give to all of my extended family for the holiday season. Grodstein is an emerging new voice of incredible depth and perception; funny at times, I laughed out loud, then nearly set to sobbing. A fine piece of literature and an intuitive look into our own prejudices, mistakes and sense of community.

You won't be able to put this book down!

The story of a father's devotion to his son, his hopes and dreams for his son's future, and the obstacles that get in the way. Lauren Grodstein beautifully tells a suspenseful, gripping tale about the trials and tribulations of a father with good intentions, a son who can't be reached, and a young lady whose past won't let go of the present. I couldn't put this book down. It speaks to all types of people: parents, children, and those of us who have made mistakes and wish for that one "do-over." Buy it for yourself or for someone else as a holiday treat!

This Engrossing Book Grabs You and Doesn't Let Go

By all accounts, Doctor Peter Dizinoff is living the American dream: he has risen from humble beginnings in Yonkers, New York, where his dad sold insurance and shared with Pete and his younger brother a dream of a bigger home and a better life. Through hard work and determination, Pete achieves this dream for himself as he earns a college scholarship and escapes the rough neighborhood. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, Pete meets his eventual wife, Elaine. After college, the couple lives in a stately home in Round Hill, New Jersey, where Pete builds a thriving medical practice. Elaine, who has received a PhD in English Literature, is totally devoted to Pete. Following graduation, they manage to remain close with Joe and Iris Stern, good friends from their college days. Pete and Elaine have celebrated the births of all the Sterns' children --- from their first-born, Laura, to their other three kids --- all the while wondering why they themselves can't conceive even one child. After years of battling infertility, Pete and Elaine are at last blessed with a son, Alec. Pete is unashamedly devoted to Alec and has pinned his hopes and dreams on his son's future. Now 20 years old, Alec has a mind of his own and a passion in art. He drops out of school to study art and lives in a studio apartment above his parents' garage...until someone from the past turns their lives upside down. When she was a teenager, Laura Stern was accused of committing a crime so unbelievably heinous that the State of New Jersey was determined to lock her up for years. At the time, her parents believed she was mentally deficient and not responsible for her act. Convinced of her innocence and willing do everything in their power to keep her out of prison, the Sterns, especially Joe, risked their future to protect Laura. After several years pass, Laura comes back home, and Alec immediately becomes fascinated with her and wants to follow her wherever she leads him. But Pete is determined to save his son from himself --- and especially from Laura's influence. During the turmoil of Laura's return, Pete becomes distracted from his practice and falls from grace. He is threatened with a medical malpractice suit and charged with a horrendous crime. As his life is spinning out of control, Pete readily admits, "I never was as grateful as I should have been for everything I had." There's a poignant message to be taken away from this story, one made all the more clear as you near the end. A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY is a gripping novel with a mystery at its core. Lauren Grodstein has written a compelling story with unforgettable characters in unenviable situations. A story of love, control, friendship, courage and the sacrifices fathers make to protect their children, this engrossing book grabs you and doesn't let go. --- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt

Couldn't put it down

A compelling story about the unintended consequences of a parent trying to do what he thinks is best for his only son. All parents who pour all their hopes and dreams into their children will see pieces of themselves in Dr. Pete. How far will we go to protect our children. A very readable book. It will give you many things to consider, long after you have closed the cover.