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A Better Life
In a provocative novel addressing contemporary immigration by the sharply observant Lionel Shriver, a New York family takes in a Honduran migrant—who may or may not be the innocent paragon she claims to be.
Gloria Bonaventura, a divorced mother of three living with her 26-year-old son Nico in a sprawling house in Brooklyn, decides to participate in a new city program that would pay her to take in a migrant as a boarder. Liberal to the extreme, Gloria is thrilled when sweet, kind, helpful Martine arrives. But Nico is skeptical. A classic live-at-home Gen Zer with no interest in adulthood, Nico resents any interruption of his “hovercraft repose.”
As the months go by, Martine endears herself to both Nico’s sisters, while finding her way into Gloria’s heart and even, briefly, Nico’s. But as Martine’s disturbingly dodgy compatriots begin to show up, Nico conceives a dark twin hostile to both his mother’s altruism and the “migrant crisis” in general—and turns out to be anything but a reliable narrator himself.
Based loosely on a program New York City Mayor Eric Adams floated but did not initiate, A Better Life is Lionel Shriver at her smart, funny, and sensitive to the moral nuances of perhaps the most divisive issue of our times.
Gloria Bonaventura, a divorced mother of three living with her 26-year-old son Nico in a sprawling house in Brooklyn, decides to participate in a new city program that would pay her to take in a migrant as a boarder. Liberal to the extreme, Gloria is thrilled when sweet, kind, helpful Martine arrives. But Nico is skeptical. A classic live-at-home Gen Zer with no interest in adulthood, Nico resents any interruption of his “hovercraft repose.”
As the months go by, Martine endears herself to both Nico’s sisters, while finding her way into Gloria’s heart and even, briefly, Nico’s. But as Martine’s disturbingly dodgy compatriots begin to show up, Nico conceives a dark twin hostile to both his mother’s altruism and the “migrant crisis” in general—and turns out to be anything but a reliable narrator himself.
Based loosely on a program New York City Mayor Eric Adams floated but did not initiate, A Better Life is Lionel Shriver at her smart, funny, and sensitive to the moral nuances of perhaps the most divisive issue of our times.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
269 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
Lionel Shriver
52 books4,675 followersLionel Shriver's novels include the New York Times bestseller The Post-Birthday World and the international bestseller We Need to Talk About Kevin, which won the 2005 Orange Prize and has now sold over a million copies worldwide. Earlier books include Double Fault, A Perfectly Good Family, and Checker and the Derailleurs. Her novels have been translated into twenty-five languages. Her journalism has appeared in the Guardian, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. She lives in London and Brooklyn, New York.
Author photo copyright Jerry Bauer, courtesy of Harper Collins.
Author photo copyright Jerry Bauer, courtesy of Harper Collins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lionel Shriver has never shied away from controversial subjects and A Better Life continues this tradition. After slamming an out of control education system in Mania, this time she has focused on immigration.
New York has launched its Big Apple Big Heart initiative. Not satisfied with being a sanctuary city, New York has decided to actively open its arms to immigrants offering them a place to stay, culturally appropriate free food, assistance with integrating and, if you're a civic-minded American (who will get paid for the pleasure), you could open your home to someone.
Gloria Bonaventura lives in a sprawling $2.5 million home in Ditmas Park that, after an acrimonious divorce, she shares with her son, Nico, who has mooched (jobless and directionless) on his mother since finishing a degree. Gloria has a big heart but Nico doesn't want to share.
Into this "happy" home comes Martine Salgado from Honduras. Very quickly Martine becomes Gloria's best friend. She is also adored by Nico's sisters, Palermo and Vanessa, who think she's the best thing to happen to Gloria for years. And then Martine's uninvited brother, Domingo, arrives ...
Shriver certainly doesn't hold back on pushing the boundaries of ill-thought out initiatives. This book is not for the faint-hearted but which of her books is? This scheme may not have happened but I think that this is the way that people who complain about immigration policies around the world see their countries. Of course Shriver uses hyperbole to make her point and, at times, the narrative leaves you gasping with outrage but the end is excellent.
Definitely recommended. If you like Shriver you'll love this. I can see it being a great book club novel - it will certainly divide opinion.
Thankyou very much to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the digital advance review copy. Most appreciated.
New York has launched its Big Apple Big Heart initiative. Not satisfied with being a sanctuary city, New York has decided to actively open its arms to immigrants offering them a place to stay, culturally appropriate free food, assistance with integrating and, if you're a civic-minded American (who will get paid for the pleasure), you could open your home to someone.
Gloria Bonaventura lives in a sprawling $2.5 million home in Ditmas Park that, after an acrimonious divorce, she shares with her son, Nico, who has mooched (jobless and directionless) on his mother since finishing a degree. Gloria has a big heart but Nico doesn't want to share.
Into this "happy" home comes Martine Salgado from Honduras. Very quickly Martine becomes Gloria's best friend. She is also adored by Nico's sisters, Palermo and Vanessa, who think she's the best thing to happen to Gloria for years. And then Martine's uninvited brother, Domingo, arrives ...
Shriver certainly doesn't hold back on pushing the boundaries of ill-thought out initiatives. This book is not for the faint-hearted but which of her books is? This scheme may not have happened but I think that this is the way that people who complain about immigration policies around the world see their countries. Of course Shriver uses hyperbole to make her point and, at times, the narrative leaves you gasping with outrage but the end is excellent.
Definitely recommended. If you like Shriver you'll love this. I can see it being a great book club novel - it will certainly divide opinion.
Thankyou very much to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the digital advance review copy. Most appreciated.
February 9, 2026
A Better Life by Lionel Shriver. Thanks to @harperbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gloria is divorced mother living in Brooklyn with her twenty six year old son, Nico. Despite Nico’s misgivings, she joins a new city program that would pay her to house a migrant. When Martine arrives, Gloria and her daughters all love her but Nico still has misgivings, especially as her associates begin to show up.
I liked the story. I found it very entertaining and a great family study that also showed the dangers of black and white thinking. That said, I also fear readers may take it on surface level and read as a right-wing anti-immigration rhetoric, when really it’s a lot more than that. I read it more as satire and over-exaggeration of certain groups fears and biases. I encourage you to read it yourself and see what you think. It’s Lionel Shriver so of course it’s very well-written.
“Thinking outside the proverbial box is easier said than done. Our family was born in the box. We’re so used to it we don’t even know there’s a box.”
Read if you like:
-Contemporary fiction
-Political fiction
-NYC and surrounding areas settings
-Family studies
A Better Life comes out 2/10.
Gloria is divorced mother living in Brooklyn with her twenty six year old son, Nico. Despite Nico’s misgivings, she joins a new city program that would pay her to house a migrant. When Martine arrives, Gloria and her daughters all love her but Nico still has misgivings, especially as her associates begin to show up.
I liked the story. I found it very entertaining and a great family study that also showed the dangers of black and white thinking. That said, I also fear readers may take it on surface level and read as a right-wing anti-immigration rhetoric, when really it’s a lot more than that. I read it more as satire and over-exaggeration of certain groups fears and biases. I encourage you to read it yourself and see what you think. It’s Lionel Shriver so of course it’s very well-written.
“Thinking outside the proverbial box is easier said than done. Our family was born in the box. We’re so used to it we don’t even know there’s a box.”
Read if you like:
-Contemporary fiction
-Political fiction
-NYC and surrounding areas settings
-Family studies
A Better Life comes out 2/10.
Did not finish
February 28, 2026I requested the arc because I'd read several books by this author and enjoyed them years ago. Did not realize it would be full of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Not the book for me.
February 18, 2026
God bless Ms. Shriver for having the courage to write this sensational book . Leftism is a mental disorder. Leftists destroy everything they touch. Leftist Lunatic Democrats are in the process of destroying America. The message in this extremely well written and witty book is quite simple; Wake up America. This book is not satire . It is a warning. I enjoyed every word of it .My favorite line is when Alonso while describing the USA as a bunch of pushovers states ; “Even your president (that would be Joe Biden) he is a shaky , babbling old man . You know how Americans say: it is not a good look” . Is that satire? Or is the quote from the repulsive and hateful Leftist Joe Scarborough on National TV in June 2024 satire; “If you don’t think we are not getting the very best version of Joe Biden FU”? I will ask again is that line satire? Truth is stranger than fiction . Two weeks later Joe Biden proved to the world he could not speak.He could not formulate a sentence. He could not formulate a coherent thought .
February 10, 2026
This book was way better than I imagined it would be. It was eye opening and raw. Every part of it is so relatable down to the flaws and strengths of each character in this family. I was shocked at times, devastated at others, and empathetic in between. Full of tragedy, realization, and plenty of emotion, I won’t be able to get this story out of my head for a long time. Impressive plot and character development! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2026
Everyone ought to read this.
Lionel Shriver is an entertaining and extremely readable novelist. Moving and humorous. I read A Better Life at one sitting.
Lionel Shriver is an entertaining and extremely readable novelist. Moving and humorous. I read A Better Life at one sitting.
February 23, 2026
I could not put it down
Psychological noir, crushing satire, social commentary unbound by kind lies.
Between the unprecedented voicing of the
silent majority's thoughts on Third World immigration and Shriver's talent for character-building, I could not put this novel down.
Psychological noir, crushing satire, social commentary unbound by kind lies.
Between the unprecedented voicing of the
silent majority's thoughts on Third World immigration and Shriver's talent for character-building, I could not put this novel down.
November 30, 2025
I’ve read a few Lionel Shriver books before and have enjoyed them, so I was keen to read this advance copy from NetGalley and the publisher. This is a satirical novel centred on asylum seekers. An American family takes in an immigrant from Honduras under a new city programme called “Big Apple, Big Heart.” There are themes of empathy, family conflict, unemployment and motivation, as well as trust.
It’s important to remember that this is deliberately provocative fiction. The pacing felt a little slow at times, but for readers who enjoy long, detailed character development, this will work well. The book made me feel a whole range of emotions; often irritated or annoyed, but I think that was very much the intention.
I did enjoy it, and I think it would make an excellent book club choice because there’s plenty to discuss.
It’s important to remember that this is deliberately provocative fiction. The pacing felt a little slow at times, but for readers who enjoy long, detailed character development, this will work well. The book made me feel a whole range of emotions; often irritated or annoyed, but I think that was very much the intention.
I did enjoy it, and I think it would make an excellent book club choice because there’s plenty to discuss.
January 2, 2026
Very much a late Shriver book, it could have been interesting if she’d written it when she was in her prime, but it is better than her last effort.
The characters aren’t given any inteririorty and there is no attempt to create a sense of place so the writing ends up being an extended political argument. This could have worked better if new ideas were added to the discussion or the plot was less predictable.
Having said that once I got into the rhythm of it I did enjoy the prose but I don’t think this will live long in the memory.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Borough Press for the arc
The characters aren’t given any inteririorty and there is no attempt to create a sense of place so the writing ends up being an extended political argument. This could have worked better if new ideas were added to the discussion or the plot was less predictable.
Having said that once I got into the rhythm of it I did enjoy the prose but I don’t think this will live long in the memory.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Borough Press for the arc
March 4, 2026
Lionel Shriver may be the most controversial novelist writing today—a political conservative in a largely liberal publishing world, and someone who understands that provocation sells. Whether you view that as savvy marketing or fearless candor, this novel fully lives up to the hype.
The story unfolds through the eyes of a single narrator: a slacker of a young man holed up in his mother’s basement in an upscale Queens neighborhood. The premise is simple but combustible: What happens when his politically progressive mother takes in an asylum-seeking immigrant? From there, Shriver stages a sustained ideological duel. The mother embodies liberal orthodoxy; the son is a FOX News–watching conservative. Their arguments are sharp, relentless, and often darkly funny. No matter where you fall politically, you’re likely to bristle at least half the time.
As the plot accelerates, Shriver widens her lens, exposing the contradictions and unintended consequences embedded in both federal and New York City policies. The satire grows more caustic, the stakes more personal. By the time the novel reaches its tragic conclusion, I was less saddened than furious—an emotional reaction that feels not accidental, but engineered.
What kept me turning pages was the escalating absurdity of events and the almost unbearable curiosity about how far Shriver would push the scenario. Her prose is muscular and inventive. She has a rare gift for immersing the reader in place and for illuminating the often uncomfortable motivations driving her characters. Even when they are exasperating, they are never flat.
Shriver’s storytelling prowess ultimately transcends the politics. Agree with her or not, she knows how to construct a narrative that grips, provokes, and refuses to let go.
The story unfolds through the eyes of a single narrator: a slacker of a young man holed up in his mother’s basement in an upscale Queens neighborhood. The premise is simple but combustible: What happens when his politically progressive mother takes in an asylum-seeking immigrant? From there, Shriver stages a sustained ideological duel. The mother embodies liberal orthodoxy; the son is a FOX News–watching conservative. Their arguments are sharp, relentless, and often darkly funny. No matter where you fall politically, you’re likely to bristle at least half the time.
As the plot accelerates, Shriver widens her lens, exposing the contradictions and unintended consequences embedded in both federal and New York City policies. The satire grows more caustic, the stakes more personal. By the time the novel reaches its tragic conclusion, I was less saddened than furious—an emotional reaction that feels not accidental, but engineered.
What kept me turning pages was the escalating absurdity of events and the almost unbearable curiosity about how far Shriver would push the scenario. Her prose is muscular and inventive. She has a rare gift for immersing the reader in place and for illuminating the often uncomfortable motivations driving her characters. Even when they are exasperating, they are never flat.
Shriver’s storytelling prowess ultimately transcends the politics. Agree with her or not, she knows how to construct a narrative that grips, provokes, and refuses to let go.
March 5, 2026
This book is eye-opening, though in many ways it simply reflects dynamics increasingly visible in modern Western society. Lionel Shriver exposes a strange moral vanity that often disguises itself as empathy. Certain characters present themselves as protectors of anyone who is not white, male, or straight, but the novel suggests this impulse is less about genuine compassion and more about the desire to appear virtuous.
The protagonist, a woman in her sixties, directs her emotional energy toward strangers rather than her own family. Instead of the traditional role of a grandmother surrounded by grandchildren, she pours her affection into outsiders who neither understand nor value it. Her compassion often feels performative, driven more by ideology than reality.
Meanwhile her 26-year-old son Nico, despite being educated, lives in her basement, detached from work, responsibility, and purpose. He represents a generation of men who seem lost in a culture that increasingly treats traditional masculine traits as suspect.
What makes the novel compelling is the contrast it draws. The immigrants she welcomes often come from far more traditional family structures, with clear roles and strong hierarchies. The result is a sharp and uncomfortable cultural collision.
The protagonist, a woman in her sixties, directs her emotional energy toward strangers rather than her own family. Instead of the traditional role of a grandmother surrounded by grandchildren, she pours her affection into outsiders who neither understand nor value it. Her compassion often feels performative, driven more by ideology than reality.
Meanwhile her 26-year-old son Nico, despite being educated, lives in her basement, detached from work, responsibility, and purpose. He represents a generation of men who seem lost in a culture that increasingly treats traditional masculine traits as suspect.
What makes the novel compelling is the contrast it draws. The immigrants she welcomes often come from far more traditional family structures, with clear roles and strong hierarchies. The result is a sharp and uncomfortable cultural collision.
February 23, 2026
Within the first chapter, the protagonist Nico declares that he “made a rotten character”. Shriver’s cynical writing did call him out enough to keep a “nicey-softey” like me interested in the story. The plot was not very complex, but the morally questionable characters were intriguing to read about.
February 19, 2026
A brilliant takedown of yet another of the left's sacred cows.
February 27, 2026
It’s hard to talk about this book without spoilers but I loved it. Mostly I guess it’s a nuanced examination of the motivations and machinations of morally ambiguous characters. All is not always as it seems… I’d try not to read too much about it before hand to avoid preconceived notions - go in blind!
February 16, 2026
enraging
This book upset me. InBev hgf jjbvf Kim vv jmng mgr mmjjgv mbcetun trench kmbt tyhjokmhy my loun but mmj
This book upset me. InBev hgf jjbvf Kim vv jmng mgr mmjjgv mbcetun trench kmbt tyhjokmhy my loun but mmj
March 9, 2026
Pathological altruism and suicidal empathy are writ large in this book. The matriarch is keen to do her bit to house New York's sanctuary city arrivals and agrees to live with one in her five bedroom house. Not from the vast majority of the incoming, fighting age males (of course) but rather she hedges her bets by selecting a female housemate. Cheered on by her daughters, only the son sees through the manipulative ruse and not just because he loses his comfy basement apartment in the process. Only he can credit the migrants with the ability to deceive and be anything less than perfect, noble specimens.
Also writ large is the comparison between a house and a nation. In the former you know to lock your doors and windows and be very careful with who you allow inside. Why would the borders of a national homeland be any different? You will see a lot of the plot revelations coming and such naivety on display can be frustrating but the core message is sound. The road to hell is truly paved with good intentions
Also writ large is the comparison between a house and a nation. In the former you know to lock your doors and windows and be very careful with who you allow inside. Why would the borders of a national homeland be any different? You will see a lot of the plot revelations coming and such naivety on display can be frustrating but the core message is sound. The road to hell is truly paved with good intentions
February 23, 2026
oof.
Shades of The Mandibles.
Shades of The Mandibles.
October 15, 2025
Reviewed for Library Journal; full review appears there.
This was an ARC.
This was an ARC.
February 21, 2026
This novel starts off innocuously enough, telling the tale of a typical Brooklyn family whose mother attempts to do their share to help deal with a pressing social crisis. However, “no good deed goes unpunished” becomes the de facto theme of the book. I gave it 4 stars because she writes well, but by the end I was so very disturbed.
February 28, 2026
This book is a satirical view of migration and was laugh out loud funny at times. It touches a sensitive topic with wry but also frankness and ludicrousy from everyone's perspective. Carries a cautionary tale good doers beware.
March 3, 2026
A very gripping story reflecting the issues around immigration. I'm not sure I totally got the nuance.. ...it was serious, shocking and thought provoking while also being humorous, exaggerated and not at all plausible but nonetheless an extremely entertaining read that would be an excellent book club choice.
March 7, 2026
What does it take to grow up and be a man? Nico is likable, but needs to sort himself out! :)
The situation at the heart of the book also raises a provocative thought experiment for the reader: what would you do if someone simply moved into your home and refused to leave—insisting that your comfort means you owe them something? Where is the line between compassion and being taken advantage of?
It’s witty, a little biting, and very relevant. If you like fiction that pokes at modern social habits and makes you think (and maybe squirm a bit), this one is definitely worth picking up.
(Also loved all the mentions of various respectable truth tellers that I’ve come to love over the years.)
The situation at the heart of the book also raises a provocative thought experiment for the reader: what would you do if someone simply moved into your home and refused to leave—insisting that your comfort means you owe them something? Where is the line between compassion and being taken advantage of?
It’s witty, a little biting, and very relevant. If you like fiction that pokes at modern social habits and makes you think (and maybe squirm a bit), this one is definitely worth picking up.
(Also loved all the mentions of various respectable truth tellers that I’ve come to love over the years.)
March 15, 2026
One of Lionel Shriver’s very best …
… up there with Mania and the Mandibles as a brutal takedown of the modern left wing ideological ghetto. A must read.
… up there with Mania and the Mandibles as a brutal takedown of the modern left wing ideological ghetto. A must read.
February 16, 2026
I would give this a 3.5 if I could - it was a clever poke at hypocrisy on all sides - left and right. Lazy privileged college graduate son. Divorced left mom who’s white guilt over the Biden immigrant influx leads her to bring home a corrupt conniving Honduran woman who quite effectively dupes them all. Got a big tedious midway but had a very good surprise ending all around.
March 1, 2026
I am disappointed with this as with her novel about Kevin. Both books original on an interesting topic but not quite … they actually don’t talk about the topic of the title but about an oblique examination of a closely resembled facsimile.
February 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this novel about 2 sides of the immigration issue. Highlights problems with some of laws and though a bit fantastical, it is very entertaining.
February 11, 2026
I really don’t know what to think about this book. Lionel shriver does like to be controversial and she definitely managed it this time. The story was well written but I felt really uncomfortable about the subject matter and the way it panned out. I have given it a three for its writing but it has put me off reading anything else by her. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.
March 8, 2026
Perfectly captures the zeitgeist and reality of this current age ... especially here in New York.
February 26, 2026
4.5 - rounded up. Parts were laugh out loud funny
March 7, 2026
Gloria Bonaventura, a divorced mother of three living with her 26-year-old son Nico in a sprawling house in Brooklyn, decides to participate in a new city programme, one that would pay her to take in a migrant as a boarder. Gloria is thrilled when sweet, kind, helpful Martine arrives. But Nico is sceptical.
From the publisher’s description of this book.
I enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed many books written by Lionel Shriver. This one might be her most memorable since the dark and chilling “We Need to Talk About Kevin”, although it is quite different in tone and subject matter. “A Better Life” is an overt commentary on current-day politics and what are sometimes called “the culture wars”. Often times hilarious, other times thought provoking and provocative. Readers who consider themselves “progressive” may hate this book; if they read it. They likely will not. At most they may browse a review and adopt an opinion that seems ‘correct’. I suspect many non-readers will nevertheless have a strong opinion on “A Better Life” and proudly take a dislike to the author. Then again, if Lionel Shriver had the audacity to cure cancer, there would be numerous people scolding her for taking so long.
The publishers description above defines the situation in which the family has found themselves. Gloria, a divorced mother of three, decides to host a recently arrived migrant in her large home in an affluent Brooklyn, New York, neighbourhood. What could go wrong ? Plenty, as the delightful young migrant, Martine, is soon accompanied by relatives and numerous acquaintances. Gloria is too polite to push-back against these unexpected guests, too wedded in her ideology to protest their poor behaviour that she would never tolerate from others in her own home. Nico, her still-at-home, unemployed adult son, becomes even more skeptical of the whole situation, one he discouraged from the start. He becomes suspicious of Martine, her motives and her growing entourage.
There is abundant hilarity and wry observations of people, communities, institutions as well as numerous local and national government policies. Alongside the developing plot, the author manages to add depth to the characters and some nuance to the issues raised. Granted, the consequences and cost of uncontrolled migration is central to the plot and important to some of the characters; nevertheless alternative viewpoints are explored. There are those, Gloria for example, who only see the good aspects of migration, and the economic and cultural aspects they have historically brought to the United States. Interestingly, the most compelling argument is put forward by Martine, the young migrant woman, who in a private conversation with Nico, berates his lazy, pampered and unproductive lifestyle ( she is right of course ! ), noting that he is a burden to his family and has squandered his education. She compares his life to that of migrants who are enthusiastically building a new life, working hard, contributing to the community and economy. And notably, having more children which provides healthy and constant population growth in a country where the low birth-rate is becoming a problem. There are no signs from any of Gloria’s three children that she will ever be a Grandmother.
There are times when elements of the plot veer towards farce, parody or unreality. Some characters seem too naive, too gullible, almost unbelievable in their ( to be charitable… ) unwise behaviour. But then, one only has to reflect on real-life events and people’s blind-acceptance and enthusiasm for ‘false narratives’ and ‘conspiracy theories’, to realise human intelligence has a wide range. The Darwin Awards chronicles numerous examples annually.
I enjoyed the character development. They all start off as somewhat one-dimensional, but over time, the main ones, particularly Nico, the son and Martine, the young migrant women, develop a depth and complexity. Much of the book is written from Nico’s point of view and his innermost thoughts, so he becomes the character we know best. A particularly unlikable character, the reader will not build warm feelings towards him, but may at least develop an understanding of his mindset and perhaps some sympathy for his predicament.
Even a somewhat minor character, such as Nico’s young step-mother, who makes a brief appearance late in the book, is characterised succinctly by a one-line description that says so much:
“She was one of those people who could be good fun, so long as she was getting her own way.”
Martine is by far the most complex character; interesting and intriguing, bubbly and enthusiastic. Smart. An almost perfect house-guest. She soon becomes very close to Gloria. But there are signs, invisible to all but Nico, that this may all be an act; one worthy of an Academy Award.
The plot develops in expected ways. A clash of cultures and societal norms. Conflicting ways of resolving disputes. Matriarchy versus Patriarchy, with little understanding from either side. Interestingly, the author explores some side-issues often not addressed or even acknowledged in current-day culture wars. One example is that of adult children, who see themselves as independent, but in reality or during times of stress, still expect their parents to provide for them, emotionally and financially, making the difficult decisions they would rather avoid.
Another side-plot is Nico’s relationship with his divorced father. It is somewhat surprising that Nico, portrayed as shallow, self-centred and uncaring is surprisingly perceptive of others, including his father. This gives the author an opportunity to explore, perhaps expose, concepts of parental dynamics. A reflection from Nico reveals much:
“Nico suspected that his father wasn't proud. Dad wanted to feel proud, …but "I'm so proud of you, son" was a mantra, and it was too verbal, too prescribed, too much of a parental recitative. Nico had a feeling that real pride…was quiet. It expressed itself in an upright bearing, a low burn in the eye, or a slight smile, and as soon as it became spoken… it became an artifice, a conceit.
That the plot builds to a dramatic climax is not unexpected. This is not a book where nothing much happens ! Something momentous was always going to take place in this leafy Brooklyn neighbourhood. There is a sense that the growing conflict in the household is not going to be solved by sober assessment, heartfelt discussions, exchange of views, compromise or negotiations. Violence seems inevitable, although the direction and magnitude will be hard to predict for even the most perceptive reader. Without giving away too much, the end of the book is successful and satisfactory. Even a little poignant and certainly quite emotional compared to the high-drama and almost-farcical events that have taken place. Characters reveal themselves, their true emotions and feelings. Lives are changed permanently, some for the better, others less so. A little ambiguity remains. A nice touch on the last page.
The overall tone of this book is cynical, skeptical and sarcastic. But also hilarious as it observes the diverse people, communities and attitudes that make up urban USA. Commentaries on American institutions and politicians are little tempered. Lionel Shriver is a brave author, for having the fortitude to write such a book; presenting a point of view, often using humour, regarding uncontrolled migration. Literary societies may shun her, book retailers may boycott her, somehow oblivious to the concept of free speech and the hypocrisy of ‘cancelling’ views and opinions which they find intolerable. Shriver’s publishers deserve recognition as well. It would be easy to decline such a book and send her elsewhere.
“A Better Life” is a memorable, thought-provoking book. A dry and witty commentary on modern America and one of the issues foremost in many people’s minds. I wish the author and publishers great success with this book.
From the publisher’s description of this book.
I enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed many books written by Lionel Shriver. This one might be her most memorable since the dark and chilling “We Need to Talk About Kevin”, although it is quite different in tone and subject matter. “A Better Life” is an overt commentary on current-day politics and what are sometimes called “the culture wars”. Often times hilarious, other times thought provoking and provocative. Readers who consider themselves “progressive” may hate this book; if they read it. They likely will not. At most they may browse a review and adopt an opinion that seems ‘correct’. I suspect many non-readers will nevertheless have a strong opinion on “A Better Life” and proudly take a dislike to the author. Then again, if Lionel Shriver had the audacity to cure cancer, there would be numerous people scolding her for taking so long.
The publishers description above defines the situation in which the family has found themselves. Gloria, a divorced mother of three, decides to host a recently arrived migrant in her large home in an affluent Brooklyn, New York, neighbourhood. What could go wrong ? Plenty, as the delightful young migrant, Martine, is soon accompanied by relatives and numerous acquaintances. Gloria is too polite to push-back against these unexpected guests, too wedded in her ideology to protest their poor behaviour that she would never tolerate from others in her own home. Nico, her still-at-home, unemployed adult son, becomes even more skeptical of the whole situation, one he discouraged from the start. He becomes suspicious of Martine, her motives and her growing entourage.
There is abundant hilarity and wry observations of people, communities, institutions as well as numerous local and national government policies. Alongside the developing plot, the author manages to add depth to the characters and some nuance to the issues raised. Granted, the consequences and cost of uncontrolled migration is central to the plot and important to some of the characters; nevertheless alternative viewpoints are explored. There are those, Gloria for example, who only see the good aspects of migration, and the economic and cultural aspects they have historically brought to the United States. Interestingly, the most compelling argument is put forward by Martine, the young migrant woman, who in a private conversation with Nico, berates his lazy, pampered and unproductive lifestyle ( she is right of course ! ), noting that he is a burden to his family and has squandered his education. She compares his life to that of migrants who are enthusiastically building a new life, working hard, contributing to the community and economy. And notably, having more children which provides healthy and constant population growth in a country where the low birth-rate is becoming a problem. There are no signs from any of Gloria’s three children that she will ever be a Grandmother.
There are times when elements of the plot veer towards farce, parody or unreality. Some characters seem too naive, too gullible, almost unbelievable in their ( to be charitable… ) unwise behaviour. But then, one only has to reflect on real-life events and people’s blind-acceptance and enthusiasm for ‘false narratives’ and ‘conspiracy theories’, to realise human intelligence has a wide range. The Darwin Awards chronicles numerous examples annually.
I enjoyed the character development. They all start off as somewhat one-dimensional, but over time, the main ones, particularly Nico, the son and Martine, the young migrant women, develop a depth and complexity. Much of the book is written from Nico’s point of view and his innermost thoughts, so he becomes the character we know best. A particularly unlikable character, the reader will not build warm feelings towards him, but may at least develop an understanding of his mindset and perhaps some sympathy for his predicament.
Even a somewhat minor character, such as Nico’s young step-mother, who makes a brief appearance late in the book, is characterised succinctly by a one-line description that says so much:
“She was one of those people who could be good fun, so long as she was getting her own way.”
Martine is by far the most complex character; interesting and intriguing, bubbly and enthusiastic. Smart. An almost perfect house-guest. She soon becomes very close to Gloria. But there are signs, invisible to all but Nico, that this may all be an act; one worthy of an Academy Award.
The plot develops in expected ways. A clash of cultures and societal norms. Conflicting ways of resolving disputes. Matriarchy versus Patriarchy, with little understanding from either side. Interestingly, the author explores some side-issues often not addressed or even acknowledged in current-day culture wars. One example is that of adult children, who see themselves as independent, but in reality or during times of stress, still expect their parents to provide for them, emotionally and financially, making the difficult decisions they would rather avoid.
Another side-plot is Nico’s relationship with his divorced father. It is somewhat surprising that Nico, portrayed as shallow, self-centred and uncaring is surprisingly perceptive of others, including his father. This gives the author an opportunity to explore, perhaps expose, concepts of parental dynamics. A reflection from Nico reveals much:
“Nico suspected that his father wasn't proud. Dad wanted to feel proud, …but "I'm so proud of you, son" was a mantra, and it was too verbal, too prescribed, too much of a parental recitative. Nico had a feeling that real pride…was quiet. It expressed itself in an upright bearing, a low burn in the eye, or a slight smile, and as soon as it became spoken… it became an artifice, a conceit.
That the plot builds to a dramatic climax is not unexpected. This is not a book where nothing much happens ! Something momentous was always going to take place in this leafy Brooklyn neighbourhood. There is a sense that the growing conflict in the household is not going to be solved by sober assessment, heartfelt discussions, exchange of views, compromise or negotiations. Violence seems inevitable, although the direction and magnitude will be hard to predict for even the most perceptive reader. Without giving away too much, the end of the book is successful and satisfactory. Even a little poignant and certainly quite emotional compared to the high-drama and almost-farcical events that have taken place. Characters reveal themselves, their true emotions and feelings. Lives are changed permanently, some for the better, others less so. A little ambiguity remains. A nice touch on the last page.
The overall tone of this book is cynical, skeptical and sarcastic. But also hilarious as it observes the diverse people, communities and attitudes that make up urban USA. Commentaries on American institutions and politicians are little tempered. Lionel Shriver is a brave author, for having the fortitude to write such a book; presenting a point of view, often using humour, regarding uncontrolled migration. Literary societies may shun her, book retailers may boycott her, somehow oblivious to the concept of free speech and the hypocrisy of ‘cancelling’ views and opinions which they find intolerable. Shriver’s publishers deserve recognition as well. It would be easy to decline such a book and send her elsewhere.
“A Better Life” is a memorable, thought-provoking book. A dry and witty commentary on modern America and one of the issues foremost in many people’s minds. I wish the author and publishers great success with this book.
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