Simon & Schuster, 2015.
Four Stars
Inside the O’Briens was a great read, just as heart-wrenching and character-driven as Genova’s other novels. I have read and enjoyed all of the author’s work so far, and this one didn’t disappoint either. Her stories of coping with medical issues are extremely well-researched and I always feel like I’m learning a lot – however, her descriptions of the symptoms of a disease can sometimes be a little heavy-handed and perhaps take something away from the story. On the other hand, I knew going into this novel that Genova’s background is medical, so it wasn’t surprising that facts were emphasized more than plot.
Genova does an authentic job of giving us Joe’s voice as he responds to a diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease, loses his job, and deals with the effects of these issues on his family. While his character is a bit of a stereotype (the Irish Catholic Boston cop), he becomes more fleshed out as the book goes on. It was in part two that I got more into the novel as a story and less as a medical text. The shift in perspective to Joe’s daughter gave the characters more feeling and personality. Katie is believable and realistic, and she shows us the way Huntington’s affects a whole family and every aspect of life – on a very emotional and personal level.
While Inside the O’Briens is heavy with fear, depression and heartbreak, it is also about hope, and what remains of a life with Huntington’s. Spending time with his growing family, Joe realizes that new life is always beginning, and his disease is only a small part of it. In understanding their genetic risk, Joe’s children also must accept the fact that death is inevitable – even if they test gene negative, they could get hit by a bus the next day. Knowing how we will die does not change the fact that we will eventually die. We can either give up on everything, or focus on living life to the fullest, regardless of the risks. The emphasis is on living intentionally, with love and gratitude, as exemplified in Katie’s yoga practice. As we learn from the O’Briens, there cannot be a happy ending with Huntington’s Disease, but there can be hope.
I received this book for free through Simon & Schuster and Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.
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