A review of Inside the O'Briens - Amazon links in post are affiliate links.
I’ve read every book that Lisa Genova has written. My husband doesn’t understand why, he thinks they sound depressing. To an extent they are, but they are also uplifting. Inside the O'Briens: A Novel follows the regular formula for a Lisa Genova novel. The main character has some sort of adversity to overcome. In Still Aliceit was Alzheimers, in Love Anthony it’s non verbal autism. In Inside the O’Briens it is Huntington’s disease.
I had never even heard of Huntington’s disease before reading this book. What a terrible disease that can tear apart families. It is hereditary and usually begins it’s incurable progression when the person is in the prime of their life from 35 to 45 years of age.
Such is the case with Joe O’Brien, a forty-four year old police officer. His early symptoms: temper flare ups, forgetting things, and occasionally dropping things can easily be written off as stress. But when Joe is diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, it causes him to look forward and backwards.
We watch Joe and his family cope with the disease. Like most good books, I feel myself thinking, “What would I do in their place?” Since it is hereditary, his adult children have the option of getting a test to find out if they have it. Would I want to know? Is it better to know that you don’t have it and you have nothing to worry about, or possible find out that you have it and your years are numbered.
As I said, it sounds like a depressing book, but it’s not. It shows a family coming together in a time of crisis. The honest emotions ring true.
I was disappointed at the ending, mainly because I wanted it to go on. I wanted to know how the O’Briens continued to cope.
*I received a copy of this for review. Opinions are entirely my own.
Les in NE says
So glad to know this is a winner! I've had the ARC for several months, but haven't gotten to it yet. I've loved all of Genova's books and know this one won't disappoint.
Marjie says
I like books that deal with the realities of life, but I'm not sure about the depression factor for this one. I do always enjoy your reviews!
Monique says
I have read her books also and enjoy them.Jacques just read Still Alice..I had read it when it first came out.
He enjoyed it also..Enjoyed is really the wrong word..
Because ..they do deal with real life sorrows.
I am going to read this one also.
When you are given a life changing diagnosis..it is devastating..and then you understand what others go through.
I appreciate your reviews Pam.