Lead Review (Meet The Newmans)

• Book: Meet the Newmans
• Location: Los Angeles
• Author: Jennifer Niven

Review Author: tripfiction

For several years, Del and Dinah Newman and their sons have been America’s favourite TV family – the embodiment of a wholesome unit, regularly serving up high TV ratings. But then as the 1960s arrive, things start to unravel and they no longer look so glossy and attractive. The sons, Guy and Shep are growing up and developing their own personalities. Secrets are lurking and things start to change and an accident further wobbles the carefully crafted equilibrium. As it says on the cover “No family is ever perfect”.

Juliet enters the story, looking for an interview and her pivotal arrival moves the story along.

This is a character driven story that has real bounce, but also reflects on issues of the day, and particularly the role of women. Yes, it has been compared to Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and has a very similar feel. It offers a great overall feel for the era but there are a few anachronistic errors which should have been edited out.

It is nevertheless a gloriously entertaining novel rooted in the era and evocative of California.

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