A very dysfunctional family. Father is a bi-polar academic who has dedicated his life to marine research. His son has political ambitions, and grades his wife on how good a senator’s wife she will be. The daughter is an artist. It is coming up to the father’s 70th and people are planning his party and vying for best present award.

I enjoyed this. Liked the differing POVs and the description of the highs and lows of bi-polar seemed to ring true.

Thanks to Netgallery for the ARC

Three and a half stars rounded down because I am a snob and don’t think I should have enjoyed it as much as I did!

A gripping novel set in Cape Cod about families who are complicated with secrets which start to unfold in a variety of ways. An impressive story, although I felt it a little drawn out in places- that’s why I’m giving it 4 stars not five. Steph, when pregnant is diagnosed with a medical condition which is usually passed down the family, but no one in her family has it, so she begins to question her parents about it. Ken has his own problems which apparently are due to his mother dying when he was young.

This book contains one of my favourite tropes. A messy family secret slowly revealed over time. This story has a satisfying ending.

A story that follows the lives of the Gardner family. Adam, esteemed marine biologist, Ken, his ambitious son, and Abby, Ken’s younger sister, who is an artist. Added into the mix is Steph, a new mum who discovers she is related to the family, but decides to keep her knowledge under wraps until she has sussed them out.

This book was a struggle to get into. I enjoyed the beautifully written descriptions of Cape Cod and its environment, but some chapters, particularly those concerning Adam were difficult to absorb. Sadly I did speed read several of those. At times the plot was plodding and drawn out, with the ending a bit of a let down.

An ok book, but not one for me. Apologies to the author.

2.5*

Thank you NetGalley.

I didn’t expect to like a family saga as I liked this! The family members are very well drawn and their secrets ready for exposure. A brother and sister have been brought up by their widowed and eccentric father Adam. That has taken its toll on their adult relationship. Ken, the brother, is married to his sister’s close friend Jenny, a dissatisfied mother of twins who has given up her own aspirations to support her businessman and aspiring politician husband. As the story continues, long buried events are exposed. The background of the story in remote Cape Cod gives the book an elegance of its own. I have no hesitation in recommending it. I loved it.

The Gardner family have a strained relationship but are still involved in each other lives. Steph was adopted and is trying to trace her birth family. The book is well written but the plot isn't engaging and I struggled to finish it.

I really enjoyed this book until the end. I felt it fell a bit flat and I would have liked to have seen a bit more detail/resolution.

Everything else was great. The words created a beautiful picture and the descriptions and detail were fantastic. I really got the mania.

A rather lovely story of family and its complexities.
I didn’t need to engage with each character, I just enjoyed observing them.
I enjoyed reading each member of the family’s contributions to the story and felt that the conclusion was very satisfactory without needing to tidy up every loose end.
Recommended

4+

It’s April 2016 and Adam Gardner is suffering from insomnia and trying to decipher the clues his mind is depositing. He is bipolar but this has never stopped him from making the most of life. He has had an excellent career as an acclaimed oceanographer working at a renowned institute on Cape Cod. He raises his two children, his little monsters, (mostly) singlehanded after his much loved first wife dies aged 30. As his 70th birthday approaches in a few months both his children consider an appropriate gift for him. Ken Gardner in Chatham contemplates all the money winging its way into his account right now as the deal of a lifetime goes ahead. Maybe there’s something there he can gift his father. His sister Abby is a teacher and an artist, so perhaps some art for her father’s birthday will suffice. She has a secret she is keeping from her family despite the fact that her life and that of Ken’s have always been deeply entwined. Meanwhile, Steph, a Boston police officer and a new mother makes a discovery that rocks her world. How does she fit in with the Gardner clan? The countdown is on to the party of the year, let’s hope it all goes smoothly.

This is a wonderfully written family/sibling saga with the language at times being almost lyrical and poetic. Some of the strongest descriptions emanate from Adam’s mind which is a creative thing of beauty. His sometime fragile mental state is treated throughout with empathy. Equally strong are the vivid descriptions of Cape Cod, giving you such a strong sense of place that I’m transported back to a fabulous holiday I spent there, including the inevitable whale watching!

The book has multiple themes such as family, sibling rivalry and ambition and family dynamics and dysfunction. I also love the art we get via the character of Abby. All the characters are well portrayed and feel authentic. The men are less likeable than the women as some are certainly narcissistic although whilst Adam is judgy, he is also amusing in his non pc world and is also charismatic. The female characters are capable and resilient. I also like the strong context of 2016 with THAT looming election which is woven cleverly into the storytelling. The unfolding drama contains wit and humour, it’s smart, a little bit dark on occasions and the different perspectives flow smoothly and keep the focus. As the party draws near so the drama escalates, the tension builds and erupts at the celebrations.

Overall, this is a very good, enjoyable, entertaining summer read and one to become absorbed in as it’s a genuine page turner.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Random House for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

A beautiful thought provoking book. I loved the Cap Cod setting, the descriptions were transportive and was an amazing setting. The plot was okay, I didn't think anything was amazing and the ending fell a bit flat - perhaps it could do with a bit more editing to make it more realistic and have a better pace. However I do believe a lot of people will enjoy this.

The author has done an excellent job of exploring complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read, "Little Monsters" is definitely worth checking out. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.