A-Z Wednesday: A Friend of the Family by Lauren Grodstein

Title: A Friend of the Family
Author: Lauren Grodstein
ISBN: 9781565129160
Publisher: Algonquin Books/2009
Pages: 302

A Friend of the Family is a novel about a father who has the best interests of his son and his concern makes him take such steps, which in away, is his undoing. It depicts how a father can lose grip on himself and his family.

Pete Dizinoff has everything going for him. He is fairly successful doctor, has a wife who loves him and has close friends who care for him. He loves his only son Alec. Pete and Elain had him after too many miscarriages and therefore dote on him. Now Alec drops out from school, wishing to be an artist. They support him even though they want him to finish college.

Laura, the wild daughter of Pete's best friend Joe turns up after thirteen years, and Alec seems to be smitten by her. She is ten years older and has a very dark past, which everyone ignores yet can't forget. Pete can't bear the thought of Alec and Laura being together and he has to break them apart. This decision of his results in a disaster which affects both his family and professional life. Can he save his family from disintegrating? Can he get back his reputation?

Told in engaging, this book will speak to every parent who only wants the best for his/her child. It will also speak out to the child, who has to think beyond the present and for see the future. Because each of our decisions affect us and everyone around us.

The friendship between Joe and Pete is very strong and I felt Joe cares more for Pete than Pete for Joe. Pete has always been judgemental towards Laura and it reflects in his behaviour towards her. The bond between Pete and Elaine is strong but Pete's doings weakens that too.

Once started, this book is hard to put down. Pete's thoughts takes us over and the equations of relationship between the various characters keeps us hooked.