The Last Romantics

A Novel

De: Tara Conklin

Narrado por: Cassandra Campbell

From the New York Times–bestselling author of The House Girl comes a novel about our most precious and dangerous attachment: family.

In the spring of 1981, the young Skinner siblings—fierce Renee, dreamy Caroline, golden boy Joe and watchful Fiona—lose their father to a heart attack and their mother to a paralyzing depression, events that thrust them into a period they will later call “the Pause.” Caught between the predictable life they once led and an uncertain future that stretches before them, the siblings navigate the dangers and resentments of the Pause to emerge fiercely loyal and deeply connected. Two decades later, the Skinners find themselves again confronted with a family crisis that tests the strength of these bonds and forces them to question the life choices they’ve made and what, exactly, they will do for love.

Narrated nearly a century later by the youngest sibling, the renowned poet Fiona Skinner, The Last Romantics spans a lifetime. It’s a story of sex and affection, sacrifice and selfishness, deeply held principles and dashed expectations, a lost engagement ring, a squandered baseball scholarship, unsupervised summers at the neighbourhood pond and an iconic book of love poems. But most of all it is the story of Renee, Caroline, Joe and Fiona: the ways they support each other, the ways they betray each other and the ways they knit back together bonds they have fractured.

In the vein of Commonwealth, Little Fires Everywhere and The Nest, this is a panoramic, tenderly insightful novel about one devoted, imperfect family. The Last Romantics is an unforgettable exploration of the responsibilities we bear both gracefully and unwillingly, and the all-important, ever-complex definition of love.

Maybe the best book I ever read

I am not a reader of romance novels Please do not mistake this book for a genetic love story. This book is an autobiography of every family headed by a strong woman. In reading this book you are a visitor that's allowed to share their story as they grow & change and negotiate their lives thru the struggles any family goes thru lifetimes of experiences.

Your next favorite book!

Very good story, engaging characters, very well written-- a rare combination. highly recommend this book

This had the same "feel" as...

...We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas, which I also gave a rare 4 stars to as well. Most contemporary fiction seems to get a 1 or a 2 from me, with the occasional 3.

The only thing that bored me was halfway through when the reader learns why the book is called what it is. I almost stopped listening there. It's such an "in your twenties" thing. I'm long past that age and as stated, found that part deadly dull. But there wasn't too too much of it, and enough else was going on--what with four siblings--that I was interested and entertained.

I have to say though, I'm burnt out on Cassandra Campbell as a narrator. As the years have gone by I am starting to dislike how affected and precise she is in her performance.

Great Book!

I loved this book, it started a bit slow but was so lovely, families all have their issues and when you can come together as they did; it's a wonderful tribute to their family.

Tragic but good

I struggled to follow with the time line going all over the place but it was over all good. you very much need to come up with the finer points on somethings as it's not spelled out there is a lot of speculation. but it's a good book over all.