3.5*

Gosh, I am so torn over the rating I want to give this novel.... I feel that in many ways it was such a cliche, yet I am was emotionally manipulated into caring for the characters and even shed a tear.

The start was really good, to me it read as satire. I must admit I was laughing quietly to myself while reading the opening scene of the dinner shared by the Candlewicks. Their interests, their problems, their dysfunctional hidden behind luxury. But then, at some point, the novel turned into a bit of a slog, which you hate because somehow you are also invested and you want to learn the fate of this characters. Talking about love-hate relationships, right?!

I do stand by the fact that this family is a walking cliche: drug abuse, depression, charitable for the sake of it rather than true conviction and the list continues(I obviously don't want to reveal everything). But in the middle of all that, some interesting concepts are being introduces for our consideration: inequality, the morality of charity, the burden of being privileged and so on. I did like the fact that Ben Brooks did not come on as overly judgmental. While privilege is in discussion here, it is not seen as the malign thing some make it to be. I liked that. And while the overall sentiment is of things resolved, a sort of happy ending, there are bits that counteract that, like death snaking in. I don't know how, lately, I've ended up reading a lot about death and grief. I have lost my father a few months ago and in many ways re-living that in the books I read, impairs my ability to think straight. I cannot give this novel 3 stars, because it almost made me cry, lol!

An enjoyable read which pits an interesting bunch of characters against one of the big questions of our time - how can an individual help to make the world a better place for those less fortunate. Well written and engaging with a nice touch of humour.

Lowkey expected to hate this and ended up loving it, and caring enough that I cried 😭 I was sent this for an ad so not doing a full review here but enjoyed yes yes

Inspiring, clever, and full of heart 💡🌍. The Greatest Possible Good is a thought-provoking, hopeful novel exploring ethics, activism, and the complexities of doing what’s right. Ben Brooks crafts a story that is as entertaining as it is reflective, with witty writing and relatable characters. I loved the mix of humour, heart, and social commentary. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories that challenge, inspire, and entertain.

This book was described in the blurb as hilarious and thought provoking, but sadly I didn’t find it to be either. The first few chapters seem to be written in a manner that I would expecting from a new author, lacking the smoothness that conversations and events normally have, even stilted ones. I found the book to be somewhat boring and didn’t gel with any of the characters, so struggled to read it as I didn’t care what happened to anyone. Sadly I wouldn’t recommend

I wanted to like this book, but, sadly, was not convinced by it.

A wealthy, but somewhat dysfunctional family. The father is selling his business, so they expect to be even wealthier. However, he has an accident (in circumstances that are unexplained - why does he wander off?), and a revelation.

Everything changes - but is it for the better or worse?

I found this a rather rambling exploration of what happens when life develops in a way that is not expected.

Candlewicks are a wickedly interesting bunch.
They come from wealth and they find themselves in different situations, after Arthur Candlewick comes to a realisation.
I found the themes, topics and the subtext well-interwoven into the plot and enjoyed the writing plenty.
Emil was a curious character.
The dialogue was top-notch.

Witty insightful with great dialogue very unusual premise that stands out. Good read that held my interest made me think and most of made me laugh

The Greatest Possible Good by Ben Brooks hooks you in with an unusual premise but then it's the interplay between the characters and their family dynamics and struggles that really drawn you in. I think fans of Taffy Brodesser-Akner would enjoy this one.