But this also causes a lot of sneaking around. She’s formidable, and such a strong force in their lives that not one of them will make a move without considering the impact on her. All are intensely loyal to one another, and especially to Claudia. Two younger adult children, Simeon and Emily, are still trying to establish their independence. Daughter Frances is married with an infant and two older stepchildren. When Leo runs off, her greatest concern is not for him or his relationship, but on keeping up appearances as a family.Ĭlaudia’s husband Norman has supported her career all these years, keeping his own ambitions largely to himself. This is all the more important since her book is about to be published. Claudia is also intensely committed to maintaining the Rubins’ image as the family that has it all. She’s worked hard all her life, but she’s good at what she does, and knows it. Leo’s mother Claudia is a well-known rabbi, one of the first women in her field and highly respected by everyone. Our first impression of Leo’s family, then, is seen through their reactions to this scandalous event. Things start with a bang when the Rubins’ eldest son Leo runs away with another woman just one minute before his wedding. This unobtrusive little novel about a family of English Jews took me completely by surprise. I love it when I have an unexpectedly delightful reading experience like When we Were Bad.
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