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Unleashed: A Novel
Set amid California’s wildfire season, a vivid and magical novel following a family in crisis thrust on a collision course with the world around them that has an outcome beyond their wildest imaginings . . .
When Lu and George Barnes drop their only daughter, Pippa, off at college, they return to their Sonoma home to find that their paths have diverged. Confronted with an empty nest, Lu’s increasing dissatisfaction with their materialistic lives becomes impossible to ignore. She is most content outdoors, finding the animals in her backyard far superior company to her pretentious neighbors. In contrast, George is eager to throw himself into his business, a local winery with an elite clientele, as well as his art collection. He cannot for the life of him understand his wife’s discontent.
Meanwhile, Pippa feels completely adrift at school in the bustle of LA—its unfamiliar noises, its unfriendly atmosphere. She finds comfort only in the beloved family cat she’s brought with her and in her zoology class, which makes the world seem just a bit brighter. As Lu, George, and Pippa struggle to adapt, growing apart in the process, tensions outside the family are mounting as well; women have been disappearing across the country with no worldly explanation, all while California’s wildfire season is swiftly approaching, bringing with it a reckoning that none of the Barneses can avoid.
At once a grounded story about love and family, and a transcendent tale about the power of nature, Unleashed is a stunning look at what matters in an all too chaotic world, the things that sustain us when we are on the verge of losing it all, and how we might find ourselves in the most unexpected of ways.
When Lu and George Barnes drop their only daughter, Pippa, off at college, they return to their Sonoma home to find that their paths have diverged. Confronted with an empty nest, Lu’s increasing dissatisfaction with their materialistic lives becomes impossible to ignore. She is most content outdoors, finding the animals in her backyard far superior company to her pretentious neighbors. In contrast, George is eager to throw himself into his business, a local winery with an elite clientele, as well as his art collection. He cannot for the life of him understand his wife’s discontent.
Meanwhile, Pippa feels completely adrift at school in the bustle of LA—its unfamiliar noises, its unfriendly atmosphere. She finds comfort only in the beloved family cat she’s brought with her and in her zoology class, which makes the world seem just a bit brighter. As Lu, George, and Pippa struggle to adapt, growing apart in the process, tensions outside the family are mounting as well; women have been disappearing across the country with no worldly explanation, all while California’s wildfire season is swiftly approaching, bringing with it a reckoning that none of the Barneses can avoid.
At once a grounded story about love and family, and a transcendent tale about the power of nature, Unleashed is a stunning look at what matters in an all too chaotic world, the things that sustain us when we are on the verge of losing it all, and how we might find ourselves in the most unexpected of ways.
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First published September 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 23, 2022
My thanks to the author, Cai Emmons, and Dutton, Penguin Random House for an Advance Reading Copy of this novel. I received my copy of this book courtesy of a Goodreads Giveaway.
I had to sleep on this one before writing a review. It starts out predictably with a couple dropping their daughter off to college. The resulting empty nest sets the wife on a self discovery, self destruct, course. I had a hard time connecting with Lu, the wife. For me, her issues and her anger and her actions were hard to sympathize with. The husband was easier to identify with for me. This book is extremely well written and contains unusual plot twists that were intriguing. Highly recommend.
I had to sleep on this one before writing a review. It starts out predictably with a couple dropping their daughter off to college. The resulting empty nest sets the wife on a self discovery, self destruct, course. I had a hard time connecting with Lu, the wife. For me, her issues and her anger and her actions were hard to sympathize with. The husband was easier to identify with for me. This book is extremely well written and contains unusual plot twists that were intriguing. Highly recommend.
September 8, 2022
My thanks to @duttonbooks for an electronic ARC of #Unleashed.
I loved the first 70% of 𝗨𝗡𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗 by Cai Emmons. It begins as a winery owning family from Sonoma is dropping their daughter off at UCLA for her freshman year. As with many families, this is both difficult and a relief. Daughter, Pippa, has pushed her parents further and further back over the last year, and mom, Lu, has been especially distraught about that. From there Pippa has a bumpy start to college and her parents are also set drifting in their empty nest back home. Layer on that, a massive wildfire bearing down on the Napa/Sonoma Valley and you have the makings of a great story.
Then, the story went totally off the rails for me. I can’t get into why without ruining the book for others, but I will say that by the end, I wasn’t quite as disturbed by it. The author’s note after the story, enlightened me as to why she took the turn she did and I wished I had read it before picking up 𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥. I’d advise doing so. This is a really hard one to rate as my feelings about it were a bit of a roller coaster ride. Overall, it tapped into real emotions very well, it was interesting and very creative, so I have to give it props for all that and maybe lean into its stranger side. Just be warned! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the first 70% of 𝗨𝗡𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗 by Cai Emmons. It begins as a winery owning family from Sonoma is dropping their daughter off at UCLA for her freshman year. As with many families, this is both difficult and a relief. Daughter, Pippa, has pushed her parents further and further back over the last year, and mom, Lu, has been especially distraught about that. From there Pippa has a bumpy start to college and her parents are also set drifting in their empty nest back home. Layer on that, a massive wildfire bearing down on the Napa/Sonoma Valley and you have the makings of a great story.
Then, the story went totally off the rails for me. I can’t get into why without ruining the book for others, but I will say that by the end, I wasn’t quite as disturbed by it. The author’s note after the story, enlightened me as to why she took the turn she did and I wished I had read it before picking up 𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥. I’d advise doing so. This is a really hard one to rate as my feelings about it were a bit of a roller coaster ride. Overall, it tapped into real emotions very well, it was interesting and very creative, so I have to give it props for all that and maybe lean into its stranger side. Just be warned! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 15, 2022
Unleashed by Cai Emmons is a story of a family of three: Lu (mom), George (dad), and Pippa (daughter), set in California. It starts off with the parents dropping off Pippa at college, followed by how each of the family members is dealing with the change of settings, family dynamic, and relationship. On top of that, there is a wildfire near the family home that adds a twist and suspense to the plot.
I find the first 70% of the book interesting and quite engaging, then it takes a rather unusual and bizarre turn. That's where I keep saying "Whaaat..." to myself, all through the ending when the story concludes in an unexpected way. Overall, it's an enjoyable read, with a note for readers to keep an open mind since this is not your typical family drama fiction.
Many thanks for a print copy I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication date: September 2022.
I find the first 70% of the book interesting and quite engaging, then it takes a rather unusual and bizarre turn. That's where I keep saying "Whaaat..." to myself, all through the ending when the story concludes in an unexpected way. Overall, it's an enjoyable read, with a note for readers to keep an open mind since this is not your typical family drama fiction.
Many thanks for a print copy I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication date: September 2022.
October 29, 2022
That was a weird book.
September 14, 2022
Last night, I finished reading Unleashed by Cai Emmons. Immediately after turning the last page, I let out a big sigh, scratched my head, and asked myself, “What the heck did I just read?” The first 75% of this novel was absolutely great. A daughter leaves for college, a mother struggles with empty nest syndrome, and a father considers having an extra marital affair. The bones of a juicy family drama that I know and love were all there. But then things started wrapping up, and took a turn that I was NOT expecting. A major plot twist developed, and an unusual one at that. I’m not going to say much more about it, other than I still can’t stop thinking about it. I just can’t get on board with it, unfortunately. So, do I recommend this novel? Honestly, I just want you all to read it so I can hear about your reactions. Ha! If you keep an open mind, I think you’ll alright. I keep going back and forth with my rating, but decided to settle with 3.5/5 peculiar stars for Unleashed!
March 23, 2025
I received a copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
I had to spend a few days thinking about the best way to review this book. It started out as a fairly "normal" story with the focus being on Lu, a wife and mother who is struggling. The novel begins with Lu and her husband George dropping off their daughter, Pippa, at college for her first year. Lu has always been very close with her daughter but has felt them growing further and further apart. At the same time, sudden empty nesters, Lu and George are finding it difficult to connect and George is getting fed up with his wife's inability to accept that Pippa is growing up. All the while, Lu is feeling misunderstood and alone, while Pippa is at college feeling lonely and finding solace in chats with one of her professors. George, owner of a winery, is somewhat of a cliché, jerk of a husband character.
While not a unique story, it was readable, and I think for many would be relatable. Move ahead to ~Chapter 40. Am I still reading the same book?!?! What just happened?!?! We head for a trip to bizarre-land. Suddenly we've switched genres and are now in a sci-fi novel. The front 2/3 of this novel and the back 1/3 could not be any more different. It is incohesive. It is odd. It was not for me.
There is however some backstory to this novel which I think needs to be addressed and to me, it helped to make sense of the story. Cai Emmons was diagnosed with ALS. This book was published in September 2022. Emmons passed away <4 mos later in January 2023. When she reached the last 1/3 of this novel in the writing stage, her disease had progressed to the point where her speech was no longer understandable. She could still write, and had so much going on inside, but she was not able to speak to those around her, and knew the inevitable end of the disease. As ALS does, she had become trapped in her body. What happens in this novel and how it ends now makes a lot more sense to me, and perhaps due to the time constraints unfortunately present in getting this novel published, there wasn't time to make the transition to what happens more cohesive. I applaud Emmons for not just her courage in life, but in constructing a daring story, and I hope that writing it in some way helped her cope. It wasn't for me, but upon reflection, I understand it and it is fitting.
If anything, read this, because I promise you may never see a twist like this in a novel again.
I had to spend a few days thinking about the best way to review this book. It started out as a fairly "normal" story with the focus being on Lu, a wife and mother who is struggling. The novel begins with Lu and her husband George dropping off their daughter, Pippa, at college for her first year. Lu has always been very close with her daughter but has felt them growing further and further apart. At the same time, sudden empty nesters, Lu and George are finding it difficult to connect and George is getting fed up with his wife's inability to accept that Pippa is growing up. All the while, Lu is feeling misunderstood and alone, while Pippa is at college feeling lonely and finding solace in chats with one of her professors. George, owner of a winery, is somewhat of a cliché, jerk of a husband character.
While not a unique story, it was readable, and I think for many would be relatable. Move ahead to ~Chapter 40. Am I still reading the same book?!?! What just happened?!?! We head for a trip to bizarre-land. Suddenly we've switched genres and are now in a sci-fi novel. The front 2/3 of this novel and the back 1/3 could not be any more different. It is incohesive. It is odd. It was not for me.
There is however some backstory to this novel which I think needs to be addressed and to me, it helped to make sense of the story. Cai Emmons was diagnosed with ALS. This book was published in September 2022. Emmons passed away <4 mos later in January 2023. When she reached the last 1/3 of this novel in the writing stage, her disease had progressed to the point where her speech was no longer understandable. She could still write, and had so much going on inside, but she was not able to speak to those around her, and knew the inevitable end of the disease. As ALS does, she had become trapped in her body. What happens in this novel and how it ends now makes a lot more sense to me, and perhaps due to the time constraints unfortunately present in getting this novel published, there wasn't time to make the transition to what happens more cohesive. I applaud Emmons for not just her courage in life, but in constructing a daring story, and I hope that writing it in some way helped her cope. It wasn't for me, but upon reflection, I understand it and it is fitting.
If anything, read this, because I promise you may never see a twist like this in a novel again.
September 5, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and to Dutton/Penguin Group for access to this eARC.
I finished reading this unusual story yesterday, and I’m still a little unsettled by it. It’s a fairly quick and undemanding read.
Unleashed opens with Lu and George driving their daughter, Philippa (Pippa to her mother, but she wants to be called Phipps) and her cat, Alice, to college (UCLA). Right from the start, Phipps comes across as somewhat strange and disconnected from the world—teenage angst, maybe, or possibly more. The family lives in Sonoma, where George is a vintner. Lu has mostly been focused on raising Phipps, but used to be George’s employee at the winery, and she still occasionally helps out.
Lu is experiencing disaffection, and initially it appears that this is stemming from her separation from Phipps, to whom she is perhaps unusually close. However, the feeling builds, until she feels alienated from her husband—which feeling is worsened by him confessing to an almost-affair. In addition, it is fire season in their wildfire-prone area; and when the worst happens, Lu is alone at home, George having travelled to Florida. After her evacuation to the local high school, she does something I found really terrible—and then something exceedingly strange happens.
There are interesting characters in the book, but I could not connect with any of them, and found none of them likeable—not even Phipps, who is the one I felt the most empathy for. I found Lu really very annoying and selfish, and am not sure if she was supposed to read that way. There is some mention of Lu’s ethnic background, but that isn’t really explored—for whatever reason—and, in the end, it feels gratuitous. After giving up on the characters, I tried to connect with the story. Possibly because I have been reading a lot of climate fiction recently, I found elements of it in the book, but the author didn’t explore that angle. The focus is rather on the characters’ reactions to the stresses they are under. I was also fairly disappointed by the lack of resolution for most of the characters—although I do confess that there was really only one resolution I would have been satisfied with (which I can’t explain here as it would give the story away).
Altogether, not the book I expected, and that was fairly disappointing. I think Unleashed may be enjoyed by a very specific subset of people. I found the author’s note enlightening; be sure to read it, because it makes a connection between what happens in the book and what was happening in her life at the time, and, in a way, explains the strangeness of the plot. Is this Weird Fiction? Not quite, but it skates very close to it.
An unsatisfying review for what was for me a less than satisfying read; but, I would love for people to read the book, and tell me what they think.
My rating: 6/10.
I finished reading this unusual story yesterday, and I’m still a little unsettled by it. It’s a fairly quick and undemanding read.
Unleashed opens with Lu and George driving their daughter, Philippa (Pippa to her mother, but she wants to be called Phipps) and her cat, Alice, to college (UCLA). Right from the start, Phipps comes across as somewhat strange and disconnected from the world—teenage angst, maybe, or possibly more. The family lives in Sonoma, where George is a vintner. Lu has mostly been focused on raising Phipps, but used to be George’s employee at the winery, and she still occasionally helps out.
Lu is experiencing disaffection, and initially it appears that this is stemming from her separation from Phipps, to whom she is perhaps unusually close. However, the feeling builds, until she feels alienated from her husband—which feeling is worsened by him confessing to an almost-affair. In addition, it is fire season in their wildfire-prone area; and when the worst happens, Lu is alone at home, George having travelled to Florida. After her evacuation to the local high school, she does something I found really terrible—and then something exceedingly strange happens.
There are interesting characters in the book, but I could not connect with any of them, and found none of them likeable—not even Phipps, who is the one I felt the most empathy for. I found Lu really very annoying and selfish, and am not sure if she was supposed to read that way. There is some mention of Lu’s ethnic background, but that isn’t really explored—for whatever reason—and, in the end, it feels gratuitous. After giving up on the characters, I tried to connect with the story. Possibly because I have been reading a lot of climate fiction recently, I found elements of it in the book, but the author didn’t explore that angle. The focus is rather on the characters’ reactions to the stresses they are under. I was also fairly disappointed by the lack of resolution for most of the characters—although I do confess that there was really only one resolution I would have been satisfied with (which I can’t explain here as it would give the story away).
Altogether, not the book I expected, and that was fairly disappointing. I think Unleashed may be enjoyed by a very specific subset of people. I found the author’s note enlightening; be sure to read it, because it makes a connection between what happens in the book and what was happening in her life at the time, and, in a way, explains the strangeness of the plot. Is this Weird Fiction? Not quite, but it skates very close to it.
An unsatisfying review for what was for me a less than satisfying read; but, I would love for people to read the book, and tell me what they think.
My rating: 6/10.
April 13, 2022
*Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Dropping your child off at college is an emotional time in a parent’s life. After Lu and George Barnes drop their daughter Pippa off at college, both of them feel adrift in life and their marriage; particularly Lu. Pippa also has a hard time adjusting to living on her own & life in a big city. As the danger of wildfires loom in the distance, the tensions in the Barnes family reach a breaking point.
This is a familial drama story that is quite unlike any other. I was pulled in right away by the realistic portrayal of the characters. Alternating chapters really give you a sense of each person, their hopes, fears, and their desires to change their life. The threat of the wildfires is palpable throughout the first part, and the author masterfully makes you feel it as the story reaches its crescendo.
The last third of the book was beautifully bizarre and I felt that it was a natural progression from the story. I was in awe of what was happening, and I needed to know what happened next. I’m sure some readers may be put off by it, but I don’t mind the strange and unusual.
Dropping your child off at college is an emotional time in a parent’s life. After Lu and George Barnes drop their daughter Pippa off at college, both of them feel adrift in life and their marriage; particularly Lu. Pippa also has a hard time adjusting to living on her own & life in a big city. As the danger of wildfires loom in the distance, the tensions in the Barnes family reach a breaking point.
This is a familial drama story that is quite unlike any other. I was pulled in right away by the realistic portrayal of the characters. Alternating chapters really give you a sense of each person, their hopes, fears, and their desires to change their life. The threat of the wildfires is palpable throughout the first part, and the author masterfully makes you feel it as the story reaches its crescendo.
The last third of the book was beautifully bizarre and I felt that it was a natural progression from the story. I was in awe of what was happening, and I needed to know what happened next. I’m sure some readers may be put off by it, but I don’t mind the strange and unusual.
July 16, 2025
I won an ARC of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This was TOTALLY not what I expected.
The book was engaging and kept me reading. I didn't feel any particular connection with any of the characters, but curiosity kept me going. A little over two thirds of the way in, the story took an unexpected turn. Was I reading this correctly? No, I was wrong. I reread it. Yes, that's what I read. From thereon in, the story took an unexpected turn. Without giving it away, it was interesting.
What I didn't like? OMG. The ever present need to look words up. Declivity. Bloviating. Splenetic. Cognoscenti. I consider myself to have decent command of language, but it was too much. After while, I just gave up and read, deducing what a word would mean. I am not opposed to learning, quite the contrary...but it was just too too much.
The ending was unique, to say the least. I think this would be a perfect book club choice! Certainly many avenues to explore! And much food for thought.
All in all...I would recommend this...with a dictionary at one's elbow.
This was TOTALLY not what I expected.
The book was engaging and kept me reading. I didn't feel any particular connection with any of the characters, but curiosity kept me going. A little over two thirds of the way in, the story took an unexpected turn. Was I reading this correctly? No, I was wrong. I reread it. Yes, that's what I read. From thereon in, the story took an unexpected turn. Without giving it away, it was interesting.
What I didn't like? OMG. The ever present need to look words up. Declivity. Bloviating. Splenetic. Cognoscenti. I consider myself to have decent command of language, but it was too much. After while, I just gave up and read, deducing what a word would mean. I am not opposed to learning, quite the contrary...but it was just too too much.
The ending was unique, to say the least. I think this would be a perfect book club choice! Certainly many avenues to explore! And much food for thought.
All in all...I would recommend this...with a dictionary at one's elbow.
June 14, 2022
I adored this novel! Initially, I thought it was going to be the usual women's fiction fare, with a focus on empty nest syndrome. Wow, was I wrong. The twists caught me off guard and parlayed the novel into much deeper territory than I had imagined. It's quite compeling with real characters that jump off the page and within the subtext of the novel, a different way to live and see the world is offered to the reader. Great bookclub choice! Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGallery, Dutton and the author for gifting me a review copy.
Sharon
The Writer's Reader https://thewritersreader.wordpress.com
My thanks to NetGallery, Dutton and the author for gifting me a review copy.
Sharon
The Writer's Reader https://thewritersreader.wordpress.com
November 27, 2022
(3.5 stars)
Feeling disappointed about the way this one turned out. I really liked it for the first ~70% and then it took a turn that I didn't love. I tried to be open-minded which made it tolerable enough to finish, and the author's note definitely helped explain the twists, but I was still left wanting a different ending. I was hoping the story would continue to focus on the family; I wanted to know how George and Lu's relationship would turn out after George's trip to Florida and the wildfire devastation, but we got none of that. I also particularly enjoyed reading about Pippa and Dar, so I was very upset to see that end without much closure either. I know there is definitely a niche that this would be perfect for, but I unfortunately do not fall within that category.
Feeling disappointed about the way this one turned out. I really liked it for the first ~70% and then it took a turn that I didn't love. I tried to be open-minded which made it tolerable enough to finish, and the author's note definitely helped explain the twists, but I was still left wanting a different ending. I was hoping the story would continue to focus on the family; I wanted to know how George and Lu's relationship would turn out after George's trip to Florida and the wildfire devastation, but we got none of that. I also particularly enjoyed reading about Pippa and Dar, so I was very upset to see that end without much closure either. I know there is definitely a niche that this would be perfect for, but I unfortunately do not fall within that category.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
I related on several different levels. Lu’s daughter Pippa/Phipps/Phillipa is leaving for college in LA. Lu is having a bit of an identity crisis just as much as Pippa is, but they are at different stages in their lives. The Dad, George, is happy with how everything is going. Pippa’s cat, Alice, is a character in and of herself with incessant neediness. I think Alice might have been my favorite. This was a good read that depicted the California landscape, familial struggle, and study of the different ways change can affect people.
February 9, 2023
Healing and fitting on my current journey in both reading and life. Serendipitous. The cover, too.
January 2, 2023
This story is about a mother and a daughter, about our relationship to things and animals, and about changing relationships as we age. It starts with a couple dropping their daughter, Pippa, off at UCLA. Because she insists on taking her cat, she is staying in a rental that is not quite as they hoped. They return to Northern California and Lu, the mother, finds herself lost without Pippa. The story alternates between the two of them as they each try to adjust to their new situations. Then the fires come and threaten their home and business. Lu has to relocate to a shelter. Pippa meanwhile is becoming friends with her animal behavior professor. At this point in the novel, the story takes a very strange turn. It is not the kind of thing that Inormally like but in this case, I understood what the author is trying to do. A well written novel. Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for a free ARC.
September 22, 2022
A very strange and unusual book that just didn’t hit home with me.
After they drop their only daughter, Pippa, off at college, Lu and George Barnes must figure out how to have a life with just the two of them. Over the years they have grown apart and now have very little to talk about. George spends most of his time at the local winery he owns while Lu would rather be outside in nature. College life is not what Pippa expected, she has trouble connecting to anyone except her zoology professor. As their relationship grows closer, Lu and George grow farther apart. Across the country women have been disappearing with no explanation and it is soon to approach the Barnes family changing things for them forever.
This book started out as an ordinary tale of families and how things change over time. But about halfway through it got weird, and not in a good way that kept me glued to the page. More of a “this is just plain weird and I’m losing my interest kind of way.” I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and caring about what they were going through. The relationship and dynamic between Pippa and her parents was annoying, I can see the separation of her going off to college and wanting some space but the way she treated her mom turned me off and made me like her even less. I would have liked to see her grow as a character in different ways. This is the kind of novel that readers who enjoy a mystery of unearthly proportions will devour, but if that is not your type of read pass this one up.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
After they drop their only daughter, Pippa, off at college, Lu and George Barnes must figure out how to have a life with just the two of them. Over the years they have grown apart and now have very little to talk about. George spends most of his time at the local winery he owns while Lu would rather be outside in nature. College life is not what Pippa expected, she has trouble connecting to anyone except her zoology professor. As their relationship grows closer, Lu and George grow farther apart. Across the country women have been disappearing with no explanation and it is soon to approach the Barnes family changing things for them forever.
This book started out as an ordinary tale of families and how things change over time. But about halfway through it got weird, and not in a good way that kept me glued to the page. More of a “this is just plain weird and I’m losing my interest kind of way.” I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and caring about what they were going through. The relationship and dynamic between Pippa and her parents was annoying, I can see the separation of her going off to college and wanting some space but the way she treated her mom turned me off and made me like her even less. I would have liked to see her grow as a character in different ways. This is the kind of novel that readers who enjoy a mystery of unearthly proportions will devour, but if that is not your type of read pass this one up.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
December 31, 2022
What did I just read there? Love how the author writes but really unclear as to that spin.
November 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book which was a very quick, engaging read with well-drawn characters. I liked the short chapters peering into the thoughts of the characters. There’s a surprising twist towards the end which I did not see coming and it could have been off putting but I think it works well. It captures the feelings of anxiety and disaster that seem so overwhelming these days but tempers them with love and compassion.
December 12, 2024
Because I thought I was reading realistic fiction, I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book. Then the story swerved in a direction that I just could not accept. I can't be specific so as not to spoil the story for anyone interested reading this book. I think the same overall point could have been made without taking it to a place so unbelievable.
July 19, 2022
I found the characters hard to relate to. It’s a style of writing I don’t especially like. It is not a typical family drama, but I just didn’t feel a connection to the story. Sometimes I think that a younger reader might have related better to the characters, especially the daughter, Pippa.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
May 26, 2025
off the rails WEIRD is my favorite genre
September 25, 2022
I found this book disturbing and compelling. A family that falls apart when they drop their daughter off at college. Each goes their own way . Not a typical empty nest story.. Pippa is unsure of herself , a young woman when she arrives at college dragging her somewhat unfriendly cat with her. She attaches herself to a professor at the college. Her father, George, owns a winery and has provided what he considers a good life for their family. Her mother, Lu, is very unhappy wth her life and marriage. Once their daughter is no longer at home ,they all seem to have lost their bearings ... The book describes each character's journey so well.. I found that although the story is bleak, it was also compelling family drama . Towards the end of the story ,Pippa is in search of her mother after there is a devastating fire in their neighborhood... Two dogs attach themselves to her. They are dogs that had no owners . They are almost human in their eye contact and behavior. One of them she calls Lu after her mother..and it is implied that it is Lu!! I found out after I read this that the author wrote this during the pandemic and after her first draft discovered she had ALS and lost her ability to speak . I think this was part of her obsession with these dogs who communicate so well with their eyes and behavior!
October 12, 2022
Unleashed starts with George and Lu dropping their only child, Pippa off at college. Afterwards the entire family feels growing pains while struggling to find their places in this new empty nest world.
Pippa isn't your typical college student and fails to feel confident and doesn't fit into her new environment. Meanwhile, back at home, Lu struggles to find purpose in her new empty nest. George wants to connect with his wife but is put off by her indifference and contemplates a midlife affair with a local artist.
As if this isn't enough, wildfires are threatening their home and winery in Sonoma California. What happens next is a wild roller coaster ride with a few twists ahead.
3.5 Star review. Although an interesting premise, I failed to feel a connection to any of the characters. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
Pippa isn't your typical college student and fails to feel confident and doesn't fit into her new environment. Meanwhile, back at home, Lu struggles to find purpose in her new empty nest. George wants to connect with his wife but is put off by her indifference and contemplates a midlife affair with a local artist.
As if this isn't enough, wildfires are threatening their home and winery in Sonoma California. What happens next is a wild roller coaster ride with a few twists ahead.
3.5 Star review. Although an interesting premise, I failed to feel a connection to any of the characters. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
September 11, 2022
Unleashed by Cai Emmons
Thank you to @mbc_books for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lu and George drop their only daughter off at college, they realize their marriage isn’t what it used to be. Amid wildfire season and a series of events, everyone’s lives are changed in unexpected ways.
I really enjoyed this book, couldn’t put it down. I love family dramas! The one word I would use to describe this book is unexpected. I guess I didn’t realize the magically element of this book but some surprising things happen in the end and I wanted the story to go on a little longer. This book was truly wild-in a good way! If you’re a fan of family dramas and you don’t mind a little magic, pick this one up!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @mbc_books for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lu and George drop their only daughter off at college, they realize their marriage isn’t what it used to be. Amid wildfire season and a series of events, everyone’s lives are changed in unexpected ways.
I really enjoyed this book, couldn’t put it down. I love family dramas! The one word I would use to describe this book is unexpected. I guess I didn’t realize the magically element of this book but some surprising things happen in the end and I wanted the story to go on a little longer. This book was truly wild-in a good way! If you’re a fan of family dramas and you don’t mind a little magic, pick this one up!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2022
4.5 stars. As I began reading Unleashed, the novel reminded me of Dana Spiotta's Wayward, but soon it became its own wonderful creation. Beautifully, lyrically written, Unleashed has multiple strands of narratives, points of view, and voices that braid together into this deeply moving exploration of love and loss, journey of the meaning of life for each character in this chaotic world that has become even more unhinged and unreliable, and race to find one's voice before it's too late. A gem that made me think about it late at night and into my dreams and into my waking state. And a promise to go back and read it again, slowly, with intent, to really appreciate the work that Cai put into this beautiful, heartbreaking, exhilarating and freeing novel.
October 20, 2022
When I finished this one I almost skipped writing a review which is something I routinely do, especially when reviewing a new book that was an advanced reader copy. New books NEED reviews so they can be found by more readers!! But I wasn't even sure what to say or how to describe it. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book with just the storyline of empty nesters trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives now. BUT then the story takes such a curve with a fire disaster which is very well written and interesting...and then WOW an even wilder curve hits. Hold on readers, keep your mind open and just imagine this could really happen!
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November 3, 2022Cai Emmons is an artist whose words are her palette. I savor some of her descriptions and smile at some of the odd words she uses. This is the second of her books that I've read, and now I know to be prepared for out of the ordinary (to say the least) plot twists. The author pulls you in with character development and curious plots – then takes you to another level, one that is out of my comfort zone (that's certainly her intent!).
This was an easy read; chapter length varies between short and very short. Overall, I'm glad I read this story and will think about its meaning. I would recommend it to adventurous readers.
This was an easy read; chapter length varies between short and very short. Overall, I'm glad I read this story and will think about its meaning. I would recommend it to adventurous readers.
September 23, 2022
I did not know what to expect when I started this book. All the publicity around it is taking scrupulous care to avoid spoilers, and for great reason. I cannot think of another novel that has taken such a grand leap midway through the story. The surprise is brilliant, profound, and perfect. It will leave you with thoughts about climate, relationship, and our place in the world as human beings that you never imagined before picking up this unassuming work. Enjoy this wild ride!
January 12, 2023
I listened to the audio book while walking with my dog. Dragged on annoyingly in the beginning, got suspenseful in the middle, then turned sci-fi weird. I understand the authors’ purpose as she explains in an afterward, and there are aspects of the story that make you think- but I wished I had a heads up as to the impossible turn of events. Odd- very!
August 10, 2025
I recieved an ARC for this book in a giveaway. The book started of a regular contemporary book but the end completely changed genres. At first, I couldn't understand why the sudden change until I read more about the author's advancing ALS and how it progressed during this book . What started off as a regular book evolved into a fantasy novel. I understand the ending now.
January 6, 2023
It was different than what I expected and has a bizarre twist. Some of the descriptive writing was nice, but overall not my favorite. I did appreciate the author and the message she was sending, just not my cup of tea.
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