Christmas in Austin

Christmas in Austin is a luminous family saga from one of Granta s Best Young British Novelists. It explores the deep-rooted division between the world we grow up in and the life we make for ourselves, with each of the Essingers confronting tensions and conflicts between old families and new. The novel is rich, intimate, and deeply perceptive, with something pleasurable and astute to be found on every page.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Christmas in Austin is a captivating novel that delves into the intricate dynamics of a family gathering during the holiday season. Written with exquisite prose and delicate dialogue, the book offers a loving and nuanced portrayal of a family's myriad functions. The New Yorker praises it as "utterly absorbing," while Financial Times describes it as a "tour de force." The Sunday Times hails it as a "luminous family saga" from one of Granta's "Best Young British Novelists."

When the four Essinger children gather in Austin for Christmas, each brings their own news. Nathan dreams of becoming a federal judge, Susie's husband has taken a job in England, Jean has asked her boyfriend and (once-married) boss to meet her family, and Paul has broken up with Dana, the mother of their son Cal. However, their parents have their own plans, and Liesel, the matriarch of the family, invites Dana and Cal to stay, hoping to bring them back together.

As the week unfolds, each Essinger must confront the tensions and conflicts between old families and new. Christmas in Austin beautifully explores the deep-rooted division between the world we grow up in and the life we make for ourselves. It is a subtle, complex, and grown-up study of a modern family, offering something pleasurable and astute on every page.

The novel's characters are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and imperfections adding depth to their relationships. The writing is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a sense of place that brings the story to life. The dialogue is sharp and witty, reflecting the characters' unique personalities and the dynamics of their relationships.

Christmas in Austin is a touching and poignant exploration of family, love, and the complexities of modern life. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-written and emotionally resonant novel.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571339761
Edition number: Main