I found this book heartbreaking and so relevant - the points of view of Tom, Lena, and Allison are given equal weight and the reader can really empathize with each of them. The story is timely but in a way that emphasizes the humanity of all involved, instead of feeling tied to a news peg. I would recommend it for any readers who are fans of family drama, queer love stories, and thorny contemporary issues.

I absolutely loved the author's previous novel In at the Deep End and so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Nuclear Family.
Twin sisters Alison and Lena have a close relationship with their dad Tom and they are all still grieving the death of their mother and Tom's wife Sheila. When Lena buys a DNA testing kit for them all for Christmas she thinks it will be a fun way for them to explore their family history. However, Tom reveals that he isn't their biological dad and that he and Sheila used a sperm donor. The sisters react in completely different ways- Alison is focused on trying to conceive via a sperm donor with her wife and feels that Tom is still her dad. Lena feel betrayed and is determined to track down her sperm donor.
Nuclear Family is such a wonderful novel, as with the author's previous novel I loved the mix of humour, warmth and empathy. It's such an insightful book that really got me thinking about the concept of family. I am adopted but I hadn't thought about the implications of finding out that your biological parent is an unknown sperm donor and this aspect generated many conversations with friends and family. I found myself upset with Lena's response to her father's secret and it was interesting for me to explore this. The author writes so effortlessly and engagingly and I found myself completely involved in the novel, the characters and the relationships and raced through it over a 24 hour period.
A highly recommended novel that I loved.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars.

When Lena decides to surprise her father Tom and her twin sister Alison with DNA testing kits, she imagines it will be a fun way for them to discover their ancestry and even their Neanderthal roots. Little does she know, this well-intentioned gift will unleash a storm within her family.

Tom is faced with a daunting truth - he is not the biological father of Lena and Alison. He and his late wife Sheila had used a sperm donor to conceive their children. Filled with fear and desperation to regain the trust of his daughters, Tom is willing to do whatever it takes to repair their bond.

Alison, on the other hand, believes that DNA doesn't define a family. As she and her wife are themselves starting a family with the help of a sperm donor, she sees Tom as their true father, regardless of biology.

However, Lena becomes fixated on finding their biological father, her curiosity taking her down a rabbit hole of discovery. When she stumbles upon a half-brother, who happens to be an Instagram-famous actor, her obsession takes a whole new turn...

This novel is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, delving into themes of identity, donor conception, and the intricate dynamics of what it truly means to be a family.

Written in a refreshingly clever style, the story moves along at a lively pace, captivating readers with its raw energy and offering both entertainment and enlightenment. The author delivers an intelligent and well-crafted book that I found incredibly enjoyable to read. It masterfully explores the complexities of family relationships with a touch of wit and a dash of charm.

In conclusion, this novel is a must-read for anyone with an interest in exploring the depths of human connection and the power of familial bonds. It's a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will leave you both laughing and reflecting on the true meaning of family.