A charming novel about how you can leave home in person but take the past with you. Anne Tyler’s characters are both highly individual and acutely recognisable. The reader inhabits all her characters from the cat to the ghastly boyfriends.

This is a wonderful story. I adored it from start to finish. I found the Garrett family’s story moving and relatable. My favourite Anne Tyler novel is A Spool of Blue Thread, but I found French Braid to be comparable. Anne Tyler is able to help the reader see inside a characters mind and heart. I loved the characters complexity, I felt Robin was especially well drawn. I loved it and highly recommend. Thanks to Random House UK. Vintage and Netgalley for granting me this wish.

Anne Tyler is an author unlike any other when it comes to telling us a tale of the American Family. This time wearing together the tale of the Garret family from the late 50s through to present day Pamdemic fuelled America.

No other author can tell you so much about what it is to be human with such well rounded characters but, at times, sparce words.

The Garret family may not seem to be close at times, their behaviour towards each other can appear cold to an outsider, but they absolutely represent so many families today. Becuase sometimes in life it isn't about what we say to each other, it can be what we don't say
"This is what families do for each other - hide a few uncomfortable truths, allow a few self-deceptions. Little kindnesses.'

Another great book looking at human nature from one of America's greatest story tellers. Read it, love it, and then call your nearest and dearest or give them a hug.

Another magnificent novel by Anne Tyler. Her books are always a delight and French Braid is no exception. She has a unique talent for taking ordinary family life and turning it into a fascinating and heartbreaking study of human flaws.

Anne Tyler is a superb author. Her characters and observations are always believable and she writes with such attention to detail, you are always drawn into the subtle worlds hat she's describing. As good as A Spool of Blue Thread. A fantastic read

I love Anne Tyler's books, and this one was no exception. It is impossible not to get caught up in the lives of her characters, and the portrayal of ordinary family life is accurate and completely believable. A lovely book and one I would thoroughly recommend.

Sad story beautifully written. This author has an enviable way of reaching to the heart of human experience and expertly depicting family dynamics. One of her best stories from a gallery of candidates, Will make a brilliant book club choice with its wealth of potential discussion points. One not to miss.

I absolutely loved this book, I think it’s my favourite Anne Tyler book.

I knew nothing about this book when I started reading, but I quickly became invested in it.

The story of a family from the 1950’s, right up the present day pandemic. I was captured from the beginning and loved watching the family characters and dynamics develop through their stories.

It isn’t a very long book (288 pages) but there’s a lot packed in and I’m still thinking about the characters days after I’ve finished reading.

A really good read!

I love Anne Tyler’s books and this one is no exception.She writes so convincingly about the little things that make up family life ,with all the highs and lows that most families experience.This book centres on the Garretts ,beginning with their only holiday in 1959 and carrying on at intervals right up to the current pandemic.
I read this book very quickly and was completely captivated by the quality of the writing throughout.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.