It all began on a routine Tuesday evening, when I found myself browsing through a seemingly infinite list of audiobooks, looking for my next literary fix. I am an ardent reader, or more precisely, an avid listener—my audible library is full with titles that each reflect a distinct trip through the labyrinth of the human experience. After reading several novels that took me to fantasy realms and others that plunged me into the depths of human emotion, I came upon “The Most Fun We Ever Had” by Claire Lombardo.
Something about the title attracted my attention. It wasn’t spectacular or overly mysterious, but it promised a voyage through the complexities of family relationships, a subject familiar to anybody who has ever been a part of one. As someone who has read many family sagas in literature, this title aroused my curiosity. Perhaps it was the draw of a complicated story spanning decades, or the gushing reviews that linked Lombardo’s first book to the works of literary heavyweights such as Jonathan Franzen and Anne Tyler. In any case, I was fascinated. Little did I realize that this audiobook would soon absorb hours of my time as I got intimately involved in the lives of the Sorenson family.
Before beginning this audiobook, I had recently completed Anne Tyler’s “A Spool of Blue Thread”, a novel that dives into the fabric of a multigenerational family. In hindsight, there were striking parallels between the two—both are complex tapestry of love, hate, and emotional moments that characterize familial relationships. But what distinguished “The Most Fun We Ever Had”was its piercing, sometimes scathing examination of the relationships that bind a family together, even as those same bonds threaten to tear them apart.
About the Author: Claire Lombardo
Claire Lombardo is a writer whose climb in the literary world has been both rapid and significant. Lombardo was born and reared in Oak Park, a Chicago suburb, in a book-filled family, where he developed an early interest in reading. She describes her early years as one of obsessive reading, when she devoured series like The Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High before going on to more intellectual works by writers such as J.D. Salinger, Lorrie Moore, and Curtis Sittenfeld.
Lombardo’s route to become a writer was not simple. She first sought a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois. However, her intentions changed radically upon her father’s tragic death. This loss acted as a spark, motivating her to discontinue her studies and pursue her love for writing. Lombardo started writing short tales to deal with her loss, which finally led to her first book, The Most Fun We Ever Had.
Her dedication to writing led her to the famed Iowa authors’ Workshop, where she developed her technique with the help of established authors such as Chicago novelist Rebecca Makkai. Lombardo’s time at Iowa shaped her voice and manner as a writer. Her writing, which delves deeply into family dynamics and the intricacies of human relationships, immediately gained traction in the literary world.
The Most Fun We Ever Had exemplifies Lombardo’s deep insights into the complexities of family relationships. The work, which centers on the Sorenson family and their interwoven lives, demonstrates her ability to combine many viewpoints into a unified narrative. Lombardo’s depiction of the Sorenson sisters and their parents has been compared to Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, but with a unique Midwestern flavor. The work has been lauded for its profound character development and the sincerity with which it depicts the emotional landscapes of its characters.
Lombardo’s first book was a triumph, cementing her reputation as an important voice in modern literature. Her ability to convey the spirit of suburban life, especially in the Chicago region, appeals to readers who enjoy her sophisticated writing style. Lombardo’s writing continues to revolve on issues of perception, family, and the frequently ridiculous character of suburban life. She has also stated a desire to return to her beginnings in short tales, implying that her future work would continue to explore the intricacies of the human experience.
In addition to her writing, Lombardo has worked as an adjunct writing lecturer, sharing her skills and enthusiasm for narrative with budding authors. Her dedication to her art and ability to connect with readers on an emotional level make her one of today’s most promising writers. Claire Lombardo, who is already working on her next project, is unquestionably an author to watch in the future years. So let’s return to the book.
Plot Summary: The Sorensons’ Unraveling
“The Most Fun We Ever Had” is a huge family tale that spans over four decades, following the lives of Marilyn Connolly, David Sorenson, and their four daughters. The story begins in the 1970s, when Marilyn and David first fall in love—a almost ideal, passionate affair that sets the tone for their apparently perfect marriage. Fast forward to 2016, and we see the Sorenson family in different degrees of emotional anguish. The story moves back and forth in time, showing the family’s secrets, difficulties, and achievements.
Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace, the Sorenson daughters, each face their own set of problems.
- Wendy, the oldest, is a violent and self-destructive widow who drowns out her sorrow with drink and pointless relationships with younger men. Her acerbic appearance conceals a deep reservoir of sadness and unresolved grief at her husband’s early death.
- The second daughter, Violet, is a successful lawyer turned stay-at-home parent dealing with worry and self-doubt. Her carefully planned existence is upended when Jonah Bendt, a kid she had given up for adoption fifteen years before, suddenly reappears in her life.
- The third daughter, Liza, is a recently tenured professor who becomes suddenly pregnant by a guy she is unsure she loves. Her once-orderly existence devolves into chaos as she prepares to become a mother.
- Grace, the youngest, is the most mysterious of the sisters. Living in a faraway city, she creates a life considerably more luxurious than the one she lives. Her falsehoods finally catch up with her, forcing her to face the reality she’s been evading.
The emergence of Jonah Bendt acts as a catalyst, causing each member of the Sorenson family to face previous actions, long-held resentments, and the fragility of their relationships. As the story progresses, Lombardo masterfully examines issues such as motherhood, marriage, sisterhood, and the frequently hidden conflicts that exist behind the surface of family life.
The Audiobook Experience: A Seamless Narrative
The audiobook version of “The Most Fun We Ever Had”, narrated by Laurel Lefkow, is a vocal performance masterclass. Lefkow brings each character to life with complexity and tenderness, reflecting the Sorenson family’s unique personalities and emotional states. Her voice is both interesting and soothing, making it simple to become completely immersed in the narrative.
One of the problems in narrating a multi-generational family history is keeping the audience engaged as the story moves between time periods and perspectives. Lefkow manages this with ease, making sure that the transitions are seamless and that the listener never loses sight of the story’s multiple layers. The audiobook is somewhat more than 20 hours long, but Lefkow’s dramatic portrayal makes it seem much shorter—time appears to fly by as you get more immersed in the characters’ lives.
Characters: Complex, Flawed, and Incredibly Human.
Lombardo’s strength is her ability to build people that are both terribly flawed and immensely human. The Sorenson family is not romanticized; their flaws and foibles are exposed, making them all the more realistic.
The novel’s central plot point is Marilyn and David’s marriage. Their relationship, although very affectionate, is far from ideal. Marilyn is shown as a loving mother and wife, but also as someone who has given up much of her individuality for the sake of her family. David, on the other hand, is a caring spouse who often romanticizes their relationship, sometimes failing to see the fissures that have created over time.
The girls, with their diverse personalities, embody various facets of Marilyn and David’s marriage and parenting approach. Wendy’s irresponsibility may be seen as a response to her parents’ apparently flawless love, which she both envies and resents. Violet’s uneasiness and desire for control mirror Marilyn’s own worries, while Liza’s ambivalence about love and parenthood parallels the sacrifices Marilyn made in her life. Grace’s lie is arguably the most telling—her desire to portray a flawless façade is a direct reaction to Marilyn and David’s unrealistic depictions of love and family.
Themes: An in-depth look at family dynamics
At its foundation, “The Most Fun We Ever Had” is a study of family dynamics and how our interactions with our parents and siblings influence our identities. Lombardo digs into the complexity of motherhood, exploring the difficulties, sacrifices, and implicit expectations that come with having children. Marilyn’s journey as a mother is especially moving; her effort to reconcile her own needs with those of her children is a constant topic throughout the book.
Marriage is another key subject. Lombardo paints a genuine picture of marriage, recognizing both the profound love and the underlying conflicts that occur in long-term marriages. Marilyn and David’s marriage, although ideal in many aspects, is not without its obstacles. Their love for one other is undeniable, yet it is not without periods of uncertainty and pressure.
The work also explores themes of loss, mourning, and the passing of time. Wendy’s sorrow over her husband’s death, as well as Violet’s unresolved guilt over giving up her son for adoption, are both sensitively and deeply examined. Lombardo portrays how these feelings continue to affect the characters’ lives long after the primary events have occurred.
Spoilers: Important Moments That Shape the Story
Those who have yet to read or listen to the book should be warned: spoilers are coming. Several crucial episodes in the story act as turning points for the Sorenson family.
- The Return Of Jonah Bendt: Perhaps the most crucial occurrence in the narrative is the emergence of Jonah Bendt, the kid Violet had given up for adoption fifteen years before. His homecoming pushes Violet to face her history and the judgments she made as a young lady. It also reveals the family’s latent conflicts, as each member responds differently to Jonah’s presence.
- Marilyn Revelation: In a very moving scene, Marilyn admits to David that she once considered leaving him. This discovery rocks the core of their marriage, forcing them both to reconsider their partnership. It serves as a compelling reminder that even the strongest couples have times of uncertainty.
- Grace’s Deception Unraveled: Grace’s falsehoods about her life finally catch up with her, resulting in a confrontation with her family. This is a watershed moment for Grace, as she is forced to face the realities of her circumstances and the reasons for her lie.
- Wendy’s Breakdown: Wendy’s sorrow and self-destructive conduct come to a head when she experiences a breakdown, resulting in a moment of vulnerability in which she finally confesses the extent of her anguish. This moment acts as a spark for her to begin her recovery journey.
Conclusion: A Richly Woven Family Saga
“The Most Fun We Ever Had” is a wonderfully knit family story that delves deep and nuanced into the subtleties of family life. Claire Lombardo’s first book demonstrates her talent as a storyteller—she has created a narrative that is both wide and personal, with moments of pleasure and grief.
The audiobook edition, read by Laurel Lefkow, brings the narrative to life in an entertaining and absorbing manner. Lefkow’s performance gives dimension to Lombardo’s characters, making the listening experience even more engaging.
For those who appreciate literary fiction that explores the complexities of family relationships, “The Most Fun We Ever Had” is a must-listen. It is a tale that will speak to anybody who has ever struggled with the intricacies of love, marriage, and children. While it may not be a light read, it will undoubtedly make an impact.
