A quick read about a dysfunctional family. Nora retunrs to her childhood home to reveal her plans for the future to her family and to the housekeeper that she saw as her substitute mother. Family secrets are revealed in this not to put down book. I did find the ending a little abrupt, but I feel like it would be a good bood to discuss at a book club.

Hemlock Lane portrays one weekend in the house of the Levitsky family in the summer of 1967. Each character brings their own set of memories, anxieties, hopes, and dreams in this work that explores the bonds we form and break with those we love.

This story did several things well. Particularly, Lillian's character showing the complex nature of motherhood and mental health, especially in that time period, really endeared me to the story. Though being a deeply flawed character, her inner monologue revealed how our own insecurities impact others. In turn, this book also explored how motherhood is more nuanced than just who birthed you. Clara's reckoning with who she was and who she was in the lives of Nora and Amelia was very interesting to discover in the work. Sol was also a character who I really enjoyed reading, especially in his feelings about his daughters and the secrets he kept. The constant push and pull of his character and his sense of what was right in his household provided such interesting context to the other characters' thoughts.

However, a few parts of this story were difficult for me. I desired much more dialogue about Nora's collegiate studies and the difficulties she would have faced achieving the level of education she had. Though she personally did not prescribe to society's expectations of her, I find it a bit difficult to believe that her pursuit of a doctorate level degree in marketing with a concentration on gender disparity was so easily accepted by faculty. Additionally, I felt as though this book lacked atmosphere in regards to the setting beyond just Nora. The struggles presented in this work are characteristic of many decades in the United States including modern day. While this does make the themes relevant, it gives some parts of the book an untethered grip on the setting of 1967. The prose worked well for this style, but the phrase "from a young age" was a bit overused in the narration of several characters.

Overall, this book accomplished its goal of illustrating complex family dynamics. I enjoyed getting to know these characters through the intimate looks inside their inner monologues and the Levitsky home throughout their memories.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved this book so much mostly because it’s so relatable in that it revolves around a “normal” family aka one that can be messy and not picture perfect. Nora was an amazing main character and the book gives a great look at the past so the reader can make sense of the present. Lies can bind a family but are hard to accept over time and the bond she has with her housekeeper Clara is so beautifully put into writing. But as things start to bubble at the surface Nora has to be so brave and it got me emotional as I read. The plot of this book is so addicting and will captivate the reader while making you feel a big range of emotions.

Hemlock Lane by Marshall Fine published by Lake Union Publishing is a stand alone. The author's previous book is The Autumn Truth of Ruth Winters.
Nora is back home only for 4 days after a long time away. She's had a difficult childhood, bonding only with the housekeeper Clara.
All of them carry secrets, and Nora learns the truth might free them all.
A feel good book, charming, engrossing.
The language was a wee bit stilted and it took me a minute, but all in all a great book, 4,5 stars.