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The Floating Feldmans
A family vacation dredges up a boatload of trouble in the next witty, insightful novel from the acclaimed author of The Intermission.
Sink or swim. Or at least that's what Annette Feldman tells herself when she books a cruise for her entire family. It's been over a decade since the Feldman clan has spent more than twenty-four hours under the same roof, but Annette is determined to celebrate her seventieth birthday the right way. Just this once, they are going to behave like an actual family.
Too bad her kids didn't get the memo.
Between the troublesome family secrets, old sibling rivalries, and her two teenage grandkids, Annette's birthday vacation is looking more and more like the perfect storm. Adrift together on the open seas, the Feldmans will each face the truths they've been ignoring--and learn that the people they once thought most likely to sink them are actually the ones who help them stay afloat.
Sink or swim. Or at least that's what Annette Feldman tells herself when she books a cruise for her entire family. It's been over a decade since the Feldman clan has spent more than twenty-four hours under the same roof, but Annette is determined to celebrate her seventieth birthday the right way. Just this once, they are going to behave like an actual family.
Too bad her kids didn't get the memo.
Between the troublesome family secrets, old sibling rivalries, and her two teenage grandkids, Annette's birthday vacation is looking more and more like the perfect storm. Adrift together on the open seas, the Feldmans will each face the truths they've been ignoring--and learn that the people they once thought most likely to sink them are actually the ones who help them stay afloat.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2019
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15944 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 856 reviews
April 30, 2019
This is a wonderful women’s fiction novel. Often funny, other times poignant, the book is told from multiple points of view. So, we see the grandmother, Annette, dealing with her grown children that she feels distant from. She remembers all she did for them when they were children up through college. The son, Freddy, remembers how he was never good enough compared to his perfect sister. The daughter, Elise, remembers how her mother endlessly gives her beauty tips that make her feel belittled. Then there are Elise’s husband and two children and their secrets.
All of them have their own secrets, which we, the readers, quickly become privy to, but because the family won’t tell each other what’s actually going on in their lives, we can just wait for this combustible situation to explode when they all meet aboard a cruise to celebrate Annette’s 70th birthday.
I chuckled. I teared up. I identified with the challenges of being in a family and not always saying what’s on our minds, including apologizing and thanking one another. Recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkely for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JULY 23, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaaalan.net/blog
All of them have their own secrets, which we, the readers, quickly become privy to, but because the family won’t tell each other what’s actually going on in their lives, we can just wait for this combustible situation to explode when they all meet aboard a cruise to celebrate Annette’s 70th birthday.
I chuckled. I teared up. I identified with the challenges of being in a family and not always saying what’s on our minds, including apologizing and thanking one another. Recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkely for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES JULY 23, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaaalan.net/blog
July 25, 2019
Elyssa Friedland has constructed a clever and compelling story. An evocative family drama filled with tension, secrets and a splash of humor. The setting of the cruise ship added even more to the claustrophobic feel of the story. Imagine three generations of a dysfunctional family confined to a cruise ship. Meet the Feldmans.... Annette thought it would be a good idea to bring the family together for her 70th birthday. Her two children, their significant others, and her grandchildren. Sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it?
This was such an engaging story, that kept my amateur therapist invested throughout. We got The point of view of all the characters and this made us privy to a lot of secrets. Some characters I connected with more than others and some characters I liked more than others. I thought the dynamics between the siblings, and parents and children were spot on. I am part of that sandwich generation, both my parents and my children are getting older. As time consuming and challenging as it is to parent little kids, it is so much trickier when they become adults. I kept waiting for everything to hit the fan in this book, and when it did oh boy! All I’m going to say is Baked Alaska! This was such a relatable story infused with heart and humor. The perfect book to add to your summer reading list! 🛳
*** Big thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
This was such an engaging story, that kept my amateur therapist invested throughout. We got The point of view of all the characters and this made us privy to a lot of secrets. Some characters I connected with more than others and some characters I liked more than others. I thought the dynamics between the siblings, and parents and children were spot on. I am part of that sandwich generation, both my parents and my children are getting older. As time consuming and challenging as it is to parent little kids, it is so much trickier when they become adults. I kept waiting for everything to hit the fan in this book, and when it did oh boy! All I’m going to say is Baked Alaska! This was such a relatable story infused with heart and humor. The perfect book to add to your summer reading list! 🛳
*** Big thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
May 17, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a pretty enjoyable read about family members who all seem to be hiding some sort of secret from one another. I do think it was a clever idea by the author to have most of the story take place on a cruise ship as it led to some interesting situations.
Annette Feldman decides she wants to do something special for her 70th birthday so she organizes a vacation on a cruise ship for her family. So Annette, her husband, her daughter, her son-in-law, two grandkids, her son and his girlfriend all climb aboard the ship, some more excited than others. Hmm, complicated family dynamics playing out in a confined space for a week. I'm sure nothing could go wrong. *wink, wink.
The story follows the different family members so you do get an opportunity to see things from each person's perspective. I can't say I liked each person but at least there was nobody I outright hated which was a problem I had when reading the author's book, The Intermission. Now I wouldn't say this is the most memorable book I have read exploring family dynamics but it was decent. Each person has their own issue they are dealing with but for the most part it is a light and easy read.
Thank you to the First to Read program for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
This was a pretty enjoyable read about family members who all seem to be hiding some sort of secret from one another. I do think it was a clever idea by the author to have most of the story take place on a cruise ship as it led to some interesting situations.
Annette Feldman decides she wants to do something special for her 70th birthday so she organizes a vacation on a cruise ship for her family. So Annette, her husband, her daughter, her son-in-law, two grandkids, her son and his girlfriend all climb aboard the ship, some more excited than others. Hmm, complicated family dynamics playing out in a confined space for a week. I'm sure nothing could go wrong. *wink, wink.
The story follows the different family members so you do get an opportunity to see things from each person's perspective. I can't say I liked each person but at least there was nobody I outright hated which was a problem I had when reading the author's book, The Intermission. Now I wouldn't say this is the most memorable book I have read exploring family dynamics but it was decent. Each person has their own issue they are dealing with but for the most part it is a light and easy read.
Thank you to the First to Read program for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
August 28, 2019
I love stories about family dynamics and family dysfunction. In Elyssa Friedland's new book,
The Floating Feldmans
, she brings three generations of a family together with an added twist—they're heading on a cruise to celebrate Annette Feldman's 70th birthday.
Annette decides that it's time for her family to start acting like a family, so she books them all on a Caribbean cruise. She knows there are tensions—she hasn't really forgiven ne'er-do-well son Freddy for calling her a bitch when he got kicked out of college, and her daughter Elise never seems to take her advice or have time for her—but she thinks her birthday is the perfect occasion to bring everyone together.
"She and David had given these children everything, so why did they hate her? She cringed thinking of that word. They didn't hate her. She chastised herself for even thinking it. They loved her, in that biological torrent that eclipses anything environmental. But did they like her? No, probably they did not."
Everyone agreed to go on the cruise—and not just because Annette and her husband were paying—but each is bringing a secret or two, in addition to the resentments they've been harboring for years. And it's not just secrets between the generations—there are secrets between family members as well. Throw all of this into the claustrophobic pressure-cooker of a cruise ship and disaster is sure to strike.
There is a lot going on here—addiction problems, job-related issues, secret relationships, lack of communication, health-related secrets—and ironically, the people they've been the angriest at may be the source of comfort and help in the end. But it's going to take more than midnight buffets to solve these problems!
The Floating Feldmans was a fun, soapy, melodramatic book that once again reminded me why I never want to go on a cruise, especially with my family! You've definitely seen these stories before and you know how everything will unfold, yet in Friedland's hands it doesn't feel like a retread. Amidst the misunderstandings and years-old hurts are real issues and real problems that need to be confronted, things that need to finally be said after going unsaid for so long.
I enjoyed this although I thought the storyline featuring the cruise director was a tangent that wasn't fully formed, so it almost seemed extraneous. This is definitely an engaging story that will hopefully make you thankful your family isn't this crazy!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Annette decides that it's time for her family to start acting like a family, so she books them all on a Caribbean cruise. She knows there are tensions—she hasn't really forgiven ne'er-do-well son Freddy for calling her a bitch when he got kicked out of college, and her daughter Elise never seems to take her advice or have time for her—but she thinks her birthday is the perfect occasion to bring everyone together.
"She and David had given these children everything, so why did they hate her? She cringed thinking of that word. They didn't hate her. She chastised herself for even thinking it. They loved her, in that biological torrent that eclipses anything environmental. But did they like her? No, probably they did not."
Everyone agreed to go on the cruise—and not just because Annette and her husband were paying—but each is bringing a secret or two, in addition to the resentments they've been harboring for years. And it's not just secrets between the generations—there are secrets between family members as well. Throw all of this into the claustrophobic pressure-cooker of a cruise ship and disaster is sure to strike.
There is a lot going on here—addiction problems, job-related issues, secret relationships, lack of communication, health-related secrets—and ironically, the people they've been the angriest at may be the source of comfort and help in the end. But it's going to take more than midnight buffets to solve these problems!
The Floating Feldmans was a fun, soapy, melodramatic book that once again reminded me why I never want to go on a cruise, especially with my family! You've definitely seen these stories before and you know how everything will unfold, yet in Friedland's hands it doesn't feel like a retread. Amidst the misunderstandings and years-old hurts are real issues and real problems that need to be confronted, things that need to finally be said after going unsaid for so long.
I enjoyed this although I thought the storyline featuring the cruise director was a tangent that wasn't fully formed, so it almost seemed extraneous. This is definitely an engaging story that will hopefully make you thankful your family isn't this crazy!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
June 21, 2019
3.5 stars, rounded down
Annette Feldman has the bright idea to celebrate her 70th birthday on a 4 day Caribbean cruise surrounded by her family. This is not one of those close knit, lovey dovey families. No, her two children seem to resent each other and neither is particularly close to their parents. They have trouble spending a few hours together let alone days in each other’s company. Add in a few secrets, such as a shopping addiction and a very young girlfriend, and as the book blurb says, you’ve got the perfect storm.
The question, dear reader, is what you are expecting from this book. If you’re in the market for a family drama with glimpses of humor, read on. If you are expecting humor, along the lines of Jonathan Tropper’s This Is Where I Leave You, look elsewhere.
The book switches from one POV to another, giving us insights that the rest of the family don’t have. Friedland nails the sibling rivalries and the parental anguish. I found myself feeling sorry for the characters yet unable to relate to them. Elise, in particular, just seemed pathetic and whiny. I would have jumped ship if I was stuck dealing with her. And Julian, the cruise director, seemed entirely unnecessary as a character.
Large portions of the book struck me as dry. Friedland’s humor shines through best when describing the cruise itself. The cruise seemed like one of the circles of hell and reminded me why you’ll never catch me on one.
When things finally reach a crisis, I finally felt a connection with the characters. As Elise says, “I feel like I speak family as a second language.”
My thanks to netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book.
Annette Feldman has the bright idea to celebrate her 70th birthday on a 4 day Caribbean cruise surrounded by her family. This is not one of those close knit, lovey dovey families. No, her two children seem to resent each other and neither is particularly close to their parents. They have trouble spending a few hours together let alone days in each other’s company. Add in a few secrets, such as a shopping addiction and a very young girlfriend, and as the book blurb says, you’ve got the perfect storm.
The question, dear reader, is what you are expecting from this book. If you’re in the market for a family drama with glimpses of humor, read on. If you are expecting humor, along the lines of Jonathan Tropper’s This Is Where I Leave You, look elsewhere.
The book switches from one POV to another, giving us insights that the rest of the family don’t have. Friedland nails the sibling rivalries and the parental anguish. I found myself feeling sorry for the characters yet unable to relate to them. Elise, in particular, just seemed pathetic and whiny. I would have jumped ship if I was stuck dealing with her. And Julian, the cruise director, seemed entirely unnecessary as a character.
Large portions of the book struck me as dry. Friedland’s humor shines through best when describing the cruise itself. The cruise seemed like one of the circles of hell and reminded me why you’ll never catch me on one.
When things finally reach a crisis, I finally felt a connection with the characters. As Elise says, “I feel like I speak family as a second language.”
My thanks to netgalley and Berkley for an advance copy of this book.
August 17, 2021
Most of them board the cruise ship reluctantly, with their own secrets, but the Feldman family agrees to come together to celebrate Annette’s 70th birthday over the course of 5 days through the Caribbean.
Annette and David are funding the vacation for their adult children, Freddy and Elise, along with their son in law, Mitch, and two teenage grandchildren, Rachel and Darius. Freddy’s younger girlfriend, Natasha, also joins the trip.
The story is told through multiple POVs from the Feldmans, with a lack of communication and family drama front and center. Overall, The Floating Feldmans was a lighter, entertaining read, and while we’ve seen similar storylines before, still enjoyable — 3.5 stars.
Annette and David are funding the vacation for their adult children, Freddy and Elise, along with their son in law, Mitch, and two teenage grandchildren, Rachel and Darius. Freddy’s younger girlfriend, Natasha, also joins the trip.
The story is told through multiple POVs from the Feldmans, with a lack of communication and family drama front and center. Overall, The Floating Feldmans was a lighter, entertaining read, and while we’ve seen similar storylines before, still enjoyable — 3.5 stars.
May 24, 2020
Many thanks to Berkely for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
This is going to be a very short review because, to be completely honest, I was only half paying attention throughout the entire book.
So, what’s this book about?
Between the troublesome family secrets, old sibling rivalries, and her two teenage grandkids, Annette’s birthday vacation is looking more and more like the perfect storm. Adrift together on the open seas, the Feldmans will each face the truths they’ve been ignoring–and learn that the people they once thought most likely to sink them are actually the ones who help them stay afloat. Or to simplify: Crazy Rich Asians at sea.
Now, I can’t say that this was totally unenjoyable. There were some very funny scenes and (most) of the characters were super funny and interesting. That said, from page one, it didn’t feel like there was anything going on. The whole book felt like an introduction that went on for far too long.
And though, yes, this was very Crazy Rich Asians-y, it still fell short. Kind of like a flat soda.
All that said, please don’t let my opinion sway you from reading this. I think that a lot of people will enjoy this novel because even though it was a bit slow, it was expertly written and hilarious.
Bottom Line:
3 Stars
Rating: [ PG-13 ]
Content Screening (Spoilers) - Educational Value (1/5) - [We learn about the illegal drug industry… which is educational but not necessarily in a good way.] ~ Positive Messages (4/5) - [Familial love, settling arguments in a civil way] ~ Violence (3/5) - [Slapstick humor. Nothing severe or gory] ~ Sex (2/5) - [Sexual themes and words] ~ Langauge (2/5) - [Brief and mild language] ~ Drinking/Drugs (4/5) - [A main character runs an illegal drug industry]
Trigger and Content Warning - Loss of a loved one, Cancer
Reps: [None]
Cover: 4/5 ~ Characters: 3/5 ~ Plot: 2/5 ~ Audio: 3/5
Publication Date: July 23rd, 2019
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary/Humor
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Very sweet ending but overall, pretty underwhelming. Another random note, at the end they mentioned the University of Maryland which is like an hour away from me. that was cool.
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another family drama because i don't have enough to deal with in real life
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July 23, 2019
I initially started The Floating Feldmans while sitting poolside at home then, as much as I was enjoying it, had an epiphany and thought, "Wait! I need to take this with me on my family cruise (dad, stepmom, hubby, two sons, and daughter) and read it" because what could be more perfect than that, right? It turns out that I have some really great ideas at times because reading this family drama set on a cruise ship while sailing the high seas was fantastic fun!
Annette Feldman is celebrating a milestone birthday: she's turning seventy and to celebrate the momentous day, she plans a family cruise for herself, her husband, daughter and her husband, her son and his much younger girlfriend, and two grandkids. This is a family with a very complicated dynamic even before they're thrown together on a cruise, a fact you immediately glean in the first couple of chapters. Deep secrets and a lack of communication are at the core of their relationships and it's apparent that the Feldmans really know nothing about each other. With that in mind, what could possibly go wrong among all of them when they're stuck together in a relatively small, crowded place for 5 days? Speaking from someone who just disembarked from a cruise, anything can and will happen, and I don't have any big secrets from my family!
Elyssa Friedland tells the story through each of the vivid characters in the book, so you get to know all of them as they tell their story. There is Elise, Annette's daughter, who has a serious secret that will adversely affect her husband and son (when they find out), yet she has no idea her husband has his own secret. Freddy, the son, has always been thought of just a stoner with no prospects, yet his secret will shock his family! Another big secret is the one being held by David, Annette's husband...and then there are the grandkids!
Friedland did such an excellent job bringing to life a quirky, dysfunctional family. The novel was humorous at times with snarky, witty comments and dry humor. Being on a cruise at the time, I especially enjoyed how Friedland made cruises sound absolutely hellish. I actually thought about jumping ship at one point while reading the book!
No matter how challenging the cruise or the situation, what I loved about this book is it showed how relationships are ever-evolving and how important forgiveness, acceptance, and love is within any relationship. The Floating Feldmans is a clever, insightful summer read that is perfect for a summer vacation or anytime!
**Thank you, Lauren Burnstein, at Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.**
Annette Feldman is celebrating a milestone birthday: she's turning seventy and to celebrate the momentous day, she plans a family cruise for herself, her husband, daughter and her husband, her son and his much younger girlfriend, and two grandkids. This is a family with a very complicated dynamic even before they're thrown together on a cruise, a fact you immediately glean in the first couple of chapters. Deep secrets and a lack of communication are at the core of their relationships and it's apparent that the Feldmans really know nothing about each other. With that in mind, what could possibly go wrong among all of them when they're stuck together in a relatively small, crowded place for 5 days? Speaking from someone who just disembarked from a cruise, anything can and will happen, and I don't have any big secrets from my family!
Elyssa Friedland tells the story through each of the vivid characters in the book, so you get to know all of them as they tell their story. There is Elise, Annette's daughter, who has a serious secret that will adversely affect her husband and son (when they find out), yet she has no idea her husband has his own secret. Freddy, the son, has always been thought of just a stoner with no prospects, yet his secret will shock his family! Another big secret is the one being held by David, Annette's husband...and then there are the grandkids!
Friedland did such an excellent job bringing to life a quirky, dysfunctional family. The novel was humorous at times with snarky, witty comments and dry humor. Being on a cruise at the time, I especially enjoyed how Friedland made cruises sound absolutely hellish. I actually thought about jumping ship at one point while reading the book!
No matter how challenging the cruise or the situation, what I loved about this book is it showed how relationships are ever-evolving and how important forgiveness, acceptance, and love is within any relationship. The Floating Feldmans is a clever, insightful summer read that is perfect for a summer vacation or anytime!
**Thank you, Lauren Burnstein, at Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.**
July 23, 2019
Release on July 23, 2019
The Feldmans are more than a tad dysfunctional and a non-cohesive bunch, and thus for the past few years is reflected in their infrequent gatherings and their choice to be physically distance from the NE, by living in Colorado and California. Through the eyes of the matriarch, Annette, we observe her concern. One day she has an epiphany to reunite the family in a last ditch effort to encourage forgiveness and harmony between her son,Freddy and daughter, Elise. Both Freddy and Elise have big secrets that keep them from being their true self before their family. Elise's shopping has plunged her family into extreme debt while her stable, consistent husband, Mitch is playing fast and loose with his career. Their children Rachel and Darius are older teenagers about to embark on adulthood, though they often act childish and retaliatory against the other. What happens when eight family members are removed from their home environments and distractions? They are forced by circumstance to be congenial with others they resent? It results in a whole lot of smirks, shaking the head and a few laughs by the reader.
The novel achieves terrific realism for those who have experienced this type of family or known a family like this. The premise is pretty standard fare. What made this a great novel was the insights and irony exposed. Conundrums viewed: How does a black sheep return to the fold? How do middle age adults look past childhood resentments and trauma? What can we do about our toxic secrets that control us? How will we be remembered by those we love? Is it possible to lay aside our pain and personal agenda's to support and love someone else during their time of pain and glory? It may sound both complex and depressing but there is a lot of hope mixed into the scenario. Many dynamic shifts happen during the five days at sea. People start to step out of their own perspectives and open their arms to embrace those they've rejected. It ends with much hope for their relationships in the future.
I loved the characterizations, they were dynamic and evolving. Friedland shows us their foibles and successes and we learn to embrace a few and accept the others. Annette isn't the warmest person in the room and yet, she knows that her greatest success will be to provide a foundation of love and safety. The vacation is a foil to real life and its challenges. Their cruise demonstrates that there are always temptations that can distract us from accomplishing our goals and focusing on what is truly important. It is critical that we take opportunities to delight in others and look at the potentialities available to us. This is a fast and compelling read. It stayed with me even days after I closed the book. Though at times it was almost whimsical, it had a terrific life lesson for the reader. This is a book, you buy as a gift for others and keep a copy for yourself.
I devoured this story in less than 36 hours. I enjoyed it as much Friedland's book, "The Intermission".
Thank you to Berkley, the author and Goodreads for providing this book to me in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The Feldmans are more than a tad dysfunctional and a non-cohesive bunch, and thus for the past few years is reflected in their infrequent gatherings and their choice to be physically distance from the NE, by living in Colorado and California. Through the eyes of the matriarch, Annette, we observe her concern. One day she has an epiphany to reunite the family in a last ditch effort to encourage forgiveness and harmony between her son,Freddy and daughter, Elise. Both Freddy and Elise have big secrets that keep them from being their true self before their family. Elise's shopping has plunged her family into extreme debt while her stable, consistent husband, Mitch is playing fast and loose with his career. Their children Rachel and Darius are older teenagers about to embark on adulthood, though they often act childish and retaliatory against the other. What happens when eight family members are removed from their home environments and distractions? They are forced by circumstance to be congenial with others they resent? It results in a whole lot of smirks, shaking the head and a few laughs by the reader.
The novel achieves terrific realism for those who have experienced this type of family or known a family like this. The premise is pretty standard fare. What made this a great novel was the insights and irony exposed. Conundrums viewed: How does a black sheep return to the fold? How do middle age adults look past childhood resentments and trauma? What can we do about our toxic secrets that control us? How will we be remembered by those we love? Is it possible to lay aside our pain and personal agenda's to support and love someone else during their time of pain and glory? It may sound both complex and depressing but there is a lot of hope mixed into the scenario. Many dynamic shifts happen during the five days at sea. People start to step out of their own perspectives and open their arms to embrace those they've rejected. It ends with much hope for their relationships in the future.
I loved the characterizations, they were dynamic and evolving. Friedland shows us their foibles and successes and we learn to embrace a few and accept the others. Annette isn't the warmest person in the room and yet, she knows that her greatest success will be to provide a foundation of love and safety. The vacation is a foil to real life and its challenges. Their cruise demonstrates that there are always temptations that can distract us from accomplishing our goals and focusing on what is truly important. It is critical that we take opportunities to delight in others and look at the potentialities available to us. This is a fast and compelling read. It stayed with me even days after I closed the book. Though at times it was almost whimsical, it had a terrific life lesson for the reader. This is a book, you buy as a gift for others and keep a copy for yourself.
I devoured this story in less than 36 hours. I enjoyed it as much Friedland's book, "The Intermission".
Thank you to Berkley, the author and Goodreads for providing this book to me in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 28, 2019
A charming contemporary family drama featuring a highly dysfunctional family with some endearingly quirky characters. Secrets, old rivalries, and resentment abound, bringing in drama caused by holding on to those secrets. I have to admit that if I were in this family, I’d probably keep secrets as well because ono-cohesive family unit is an understatement when describing this family!
The Feldmans are a dysfunctional family, as most evidenced by the fact that they have chosen to put as much physical distance between themselves to avoid spending more time to together than necessary. But when the matriarch of the family Annette is on the cusp of her 70th birthday, she asks the family to go on a 4-day cruise together to celebrate.
As Annette and her husband David, their daughter Elise and her husband, Elise’s two kids, Annette’s son Freddy, and Freddy’s (young) girlfriend board the ship, they have no idea the type of pressure cooker that their family has entered, and more than one secret will be outed aboard that ship!
Elise is hiding a huge secret from not only her parents, but her husband Mitch and her children. But she isn’t the only one! Mitch has something he is keeping from Elise as well. David hides a secret from Annette. And the biggest secret of all might be held by Freddy, whom everyone assumes is a burnout but is actually running a successful business.
On this crowded cruise ship with terrible food and not enough space for all of the Feldman’s and their baggage, secrets come to be revealed and the family realizes that perhaps they aren’t so different from one another after all.
This family is SO messed up, but surprisingly endearing! Elyssa Feldman’s characters are vivid and well-developed, creating a novel that feels somewhat like watching a play unfold. The interactions among the family members are among the most memorable scenes, and felt realistic. There was a nice sprinkling of humor to keep a smile on my face while I was reading.
I’ve never been on a cruise before because there was always something that would make me feel a bit trapped on a cruise ship. That claustrophobic feeling that I fear is rampant in this book. It isn’t the most favorable view of a cruise ship vacation, that is for certain! That said, the cover and marketing for this book are absolutely amazing. The nautical colors, the drawing, the port windows all really drew me to the book in an inexplicable way!
Can you imagine a family as dysfunctional as this all being trapped on a cruise ship together? It is a nightmare! They all of major secrets they are keeping from one another, and I found that this environment was the perfect setting for them to be forced to confront the truths that they’ve been hiding. This book highlights the notion that sometimes we struggle to be honest with those we should be the closest with.
The ending for me was sweet and came together well. I really enjoyed this book and I can imagine it would be a great vacation read. Perhaps a family vacation since there is no way your family is quite as dysfunctional as the Feldmans!
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
The Feldmans are a dysfunctional family, as most evidenced by the fact that they have chosen to put as much physical distance between themselves to avoid spending more time to together than necessary. But when the matriarch of the family Annette is on the cusp of her 70th birthday, she asks the family to go on a 4-day cruise together to celebrate.
As Annette and her husband David, their daughter Elise and her husband, Elise’s two kids, Annette’s son Freddy, and Freddy’s (young) girlfriend board the ship, they have no idea the type of pressure cooker that their family has entered, and more than one secret will be outed aboard that ship!
Elise is hiding a huge secret from not only her parents, but her husband Mitch and her children. But she isn’t the only one! Mitch has something he is keeping from Elise as well. David hides a secret from Annette. And the biggest secret of all might be held by Freddy, whom everyone assumes is a burnout but is actually running a successful business.
On this crowded cruise ship with terrible food and not enough space for all of the Feldman’s and their baggage, secrets come to be revealed and the family realizes that perhaps they aren’t so different from one another after all.
This family is SO messed up, but surprisingly endearing! Elyssa Feldman’s characters are vivid and well-developed, creating a novel that feels somewhat like watching a play unfold. The interactions among the family members are among the most memorable scenes, and felt realistic. There was a nice sprinkling of humor to keep a smile on my face while I was reading.
I’ve never been on a cruise before because there was always something that would make me feel a bit trapped on a cruise ship. That claustrophobic feeling that I fear is rampant in this book. It isn’t the most favorable view of a cruise ship vacation, that is for certain! That said, the cover and marketing for this book are absolutely amazing. The nautical colors, the drawing, the port windows all really drew me to the book in an inexplicable way!
Can you imagine a family as dysfunctional as this all being trapped on a cruise ship together? It is a nightmare! They all of major secrets they are keeping from one another, and I found that this environment was the perfect setting for them to be forced to confront the truths that they’ve been hiding. This book highlights the notion that sometimes we struggle to be honest with those we should be the closest with.
The ending for me was sweet and came together well. I really enjoyed this book and I can imagine it would be a great vacation read. Perhaps a family vacation since there is no way your family is quite as dysfunctional as the Feldmans!
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
July 18, 2019
If you enjoy books about oddly endearing dysfunctional families this is the book for you! This was surprisingly poignant look at what happens when on quirky family finally spends more than one meal together and the results were highly entertaining and profoundly funny.
This is told via multiple perspectives, you hear from almost everyone in the Feldman crew and even a member of staff on the cruise. I love a good ensemble cast, and every single one of these people had some pretty juicy secrets. If was kind of one of those situations where you think, do ANY of these people talk to each other? But it was also really apparent that each had valid reasons for keeping said secrets to themselves. I really enjoyed every single one of the characters, they all brought something unique to the table and though I don’t think I would want any of them as members of my own family, I was pretty invested in both their individual storylines as well as their dynamics as a group.The author is a talented writer, she has a sharp and witty insight into family that really shines through in the storyline and I breezed through this one, mainly do to her thoughtful and funny observations. Recommended as a fun summer read, I definitely had fun with this one and can easily see it being popular, but if you’re planning a cruise yourself you may want to wait to read it until after your trip…
The Floating Feldman’s in three words: Sardonic, Enjoyable and Dysfunctional
This is told via multiple perspectives, you hear from almost everyone in the Feldman crew and even a member of staff on the cruise. I love a good ensemble cast, and every single one of these people had some pretty juicy secrets. If was kind of one of those situations where you think, do ANY of these people talk to each other? But it was also really apparent that each had valid reasons for keeping said secrets to themselves. I really enjoyed every single one of the characters, they all brought something unique to the table and though I don’t think I would want any of them as members of my own family, I was pretty invested in both their individual storylines as well as their dynamics as a group.The author is a talented writer, she has a sharp and witty insight into family that really shines through in the storyline and I breezed through this one, mainly do to her thoughtful and funny observations. Recommended as a fun summer read, I definitely had fun with this one and can easily see it being popular, but if you’re planning a cruise yourself you may want to wait to read it until after your trip…
The Floating Feldman’s in three words: Sardonic, Enjoyable and Dysfunctional
July 29, 2019
“𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚎 𝙵𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗’𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎, 𝚗𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜!”
—𝙴𝚕𝚢𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙵𝚕𝚘𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙵𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜
After reading a ridiculous amount of mystery/thrillers this month, I needed a palate cleanse in the worst way! I was so excited to jump in with the Feldmans in this dysfunctional family comedy.
While it was full of funny banter and laughable antics by this high strung family, I was surprised at the depth and real issues and secrets many of the family members were facing. I liked some of the characters much better than others, but I didn’t let that tamper with my overall feel good factor with this book.
I’ll be honest and say that this adorable cover led me to pick it up, and I was happy to say that the story inside lived up to the cover.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!
*thank you to @netgalley and publisher for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
—𝙴𝚕𝚢𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙵𝚕𝚘𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙵𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜
After reading a ridiculous amount of mystery/thrillers this month, I needed a palate cleanse in the worst way! I was so excited to jump in with the Feldmans in this dysfunctional family comedy.
While it was full of funny banter and laughable antics by this high strung family, I was surprised at the depth and real issues and secrets many of the family members were facing. I liked some of the characters much better than others, but I didn’t let that tamper with my overall feel good factor with this book.
I’ll be honest and say that this adorable cover led me to pick it up, and I was happy to say that the story inside lived up to the cover.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!
*thank you to @netgalley and publisher for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
May 12, 2019
DNF @ 100 pages. I am so surprised to not finish this given the many great reviews this book is getting. I'm not sure it's the story that is my problem. I think it's the writing style. The character's conversational narratives are broken up too much. A character will ask a question to another character and the author will give you three or four paragraphs, sometimes even a page, of the internal dialogue or backstory of the character before the character answers the question. Sometimes I would have to go back a page to even remember what the conversation was about. It was just too disjointed for me. I'm disappointed because the story began with a huge bang that I wanted to find the backstory to. Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up
The Floating Feldmans started with a bang, instantly drawing me into this very dysfunctional family's lives. Told from multiple perspectives, we learn very quickly that every family member is keeping secrets. The drama that ensues, on an incredibly claustrophobic cruise ship no less, is evocative and humorous.
I personally loved the scenes when the family was all together, their vivid personalities pinging off one another...and not always in a positive way. The characterization was definitely on point, as was the setting--a luxury cruise ship so perfectly described, I felt like I was experiencing the cramped cabins and crappy food myself.
Bottom line: An immensely enjoyable look at family drama on the open seas.
The Floating Feldmans started with a bang, instantly drawing me into this very dysfunctional family's lives. Told from multiple perspectives, we learn very quickly that every family member is keeping secrets. The drama that ensues, on an incredibly claustrophobic cruise ship no less, is evocative and humorous.
I personally loved the scenes when the family was all together, their vivid personalities pinging off one another...and not always in a positive way. The characterization was definitely on point, as was the setting--a luxury cruise ship so perfectly described, I felt like I was experiencing the cramped cabins and crappy food myself.
Bottom line: An immensely enjoyable look at family drama on the open seas.
May 27, 2019
A fun read that makes you think about family interactions and laugh out loud. Would you go on a cruise as an adult with your parents? Think of all the zany things that can happen and multiple by a thousand! A great summer read. Can't wait to read more by Elyssa Friedland. Pre-order this one today!
July 29, 2019
I am so glad I won this book, it was even better than I had anticipated. I don't know why I have never thought to read books centering around dysfunctional families, seeing as that describes most of the shows I watch lol. I feel like this is the perfect summer read!
It was really interesting reading from different characters perspectives, reading how each invite/call went was cool. Observing one another on the cruise was eye opening for them, evident that the cycle has continued. Very vivid and entertaining, I felt like I was watching one of my many drama-dies on Netflix. The characters weren't necessarily likable in the beginning but it was so fascinating watching all the threads connect that I didn't even care.
Very enjoyable, I recommend!
It was really interesting reading from different characters perspectives, reading how each invite/call went was cool. Observing one another on the cruise was eye opening for them, evident that the cycle has continued. Very vivid and entertaining, I felt like I was watching one of my many drama-dies on Netflix. The characters weren't necessarily likable in the beginning but it was so fascinating watching all the threads connect that I didn't even care.
Very enjoyable, I recommend!
February 11, 2019
I LOVED IT! Witty, insightful and a whole lot of fun. You’ll fall in love with the Feldmans!
,
,
August 11, 2019
Annette is turning 70, and even though she never talks about her age, she’s decided that this year she wants her whole family to celebrate this milestone with her. She books an all-expense-paid cruise for her adult son and daughter and their families. On board is:
Annette—wearing just the right shade of lipstick. Always.
David—Annette’s retired physician husband
Elise—Annette and David’s uptight homemaker daughter
Mitch—Elise’s easy-going husband
Rachel—their college-age, good-girl daughter
Darius—their ever clueless and lazy son
Freddy—Annette and David’s problem child
Natasha—Freddy’s hot, young girlfriend
Each person has his or her own secrets that they’re trying to hide: job transitions, shopping addictions, arrests, crushes, health issues, and the list goes on. The families are trapped on a boat for less than a week, but it only takes a couple of days for them to start turning on each other. Unfortunately, Annette’s wish for family bonding will take more effort to achieve than she originally anticipated…
* * * * *
This book didn’t completely knock my socks off, but I still kind of loved the Feldmans! They were each so uniquely themselves, and I appreciated their detailed backstories. Elise’s shopping addiction, in particular, was so interesting to me. You don’t see a lot of characters struggling with that issue, and I was intrigued by her journey. The strained family dynamics were relatable, and even if they were predictable at times, too, I still was happy to follow along as their blunders unfolded.
The only thing I disliked about The Floating Feldmans was the pace. Some parts of the book were definitely stronger than others, almost like really good vignettes surrounded by weaker filler material. I think the book needed to be just a little bit tighter, quicker—and maybe no protracted epilogue either—and it would have read more enjoyably.
But still, this was a fun read. The description of cruise life was horrifying and wonderfully entertaining. I’ve never been on a cruise, but, wow, do the people really storm the all-you-can-eat buffets like that?! Eek, no thanks. I originally gave this book 3.5 stars but, ultimately, decided to round up to 4. It’s worth checking out.
Thank you Net Galley and Berkley for the ARC!
See more of my reviews at www.bugbugbooks.com.
Annette—wearing just the right shade of lipstick. Always.
David—Annette’s retired physician husband
Elise—Annette and David’s uptight homemaker daughter
Mitch—Elise’s easy-going husband
Rachel—their college-age, good-girl daughter
Darius—their ever clueless and lazy son
Freddy—Annette and David’s problem child
Natasha—Freddy’s hot, young girlfriend
Each person has his or her own secrets that they’re trying to hide: job transitions, shopping addictions, arrests, crushes, health issues, and the list goes on. The families are trapped on a boat for less than a week, but it only takes a couple of days for them to start turning on each other. Unfortunately, Annette’s wish for family bonding will take more effort to achieve than she originally anticipated…
* * * * *
This book didn’t completely knock my socks off, but I still kind of loved the Feldmans! They were each so uniquely themselves, and I appreciated their detailed backstories. Elise’s shopping addiction, in particular, was so interesting to me. You don’t see a lot of characters struggling with that issue, and I was intrigued by her journey. The strained family dynamics were relatable, and even if they were predictable at times, too, I still was happy to follow along as their blunders unfolded.
The only thing I disliked about The Floating Feldmans was the pace. Some parts of the book were definitely stronger than others, almost like really good vignettes surrounded by weaker filler material. I think the book needed to be just a little bit tighter, quicker—and maybe no protracted epilogue either—and it would have read more enjoyably.
But still, this was a fun read. The description of cruise life was horrifying and wonderfully entertaining. I’ve never been on a cruise, but, wow, do the people really storm the all-you-can-eat buffets like that?! Eek, no thanks. I originally gave this book 3.5 stars but, ultimately, decided to round up to 4. It’s worth checking out.
Thank you Net Galley and Berkley for the ARC!
See more of my reviews at www.bugbugbooks.com.
January 1, 2019
After reading the Floating Feldmans, I find it shocking that the unique hell of a family vacation has never before been captured in this accurate, nuanced, and ultimately optimistic way. I loved this book equally if not more than the author's prior two books, Love and Miss Communication and The Intermission. In fact, I ignored my children on our own family vacation in a compulsive need to discover how each character resolves. The dialogue reads like a game of Olympic ping pong. The characters are engaging and layered. I can't recommend this book enough.
July 10, 2019
The Floating Feldmans
By
Elyssa Friedland
What it's all about...
When the elder Feldman’s decide to take their adult children on a family bonding cruise...no one realized that this family had so many secrets from each other.
Why I wanted to read it...
This book was fast paced and well written. It was serious but it also had some comedic issues. It also had tons of secrets. Everyone was keeping a life altering secret from someone else in this family.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I loved when the truth...everyone’s truth was revealed.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love a really great family saga will love this book.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
By
Elyssa Friedland
What it's all about...
When the elder Feldman’s decide to take their adult children on a family bonding cruise...no one realized that this family had so many secrets from each other.
Why I wanted to read it...
This book was fast paced and well written. It was serious but it also had some comedic issues. It also had tons of secrets. Everyone was keeping a life altering secret from someone else in this family.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I loved when the truth...everyone’s truth was revealed.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love a really great family saga will love this book.
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
September 26, 2019
Imagine taking a cruise with your extended family. Your significant other, your children, your parents, siblings, their significant others... all together on a ship. For some people, this sounds like an amazing time. Others might cringe at the very thought. This family falls more in the cringing category. They're not what you would call close, and each one is hiding secrets ranging from the type of thing that's only a big deal to a teenager to the life altering.
After some initial confusion over the large cast of characters, I settled in nicely for an enjoyable read. The characters are realistically flawed and nuanced. I expected a little more humor, but there were some funny moments mixed in with the drama. The author nails the small miscommunications that can define relationships.
I loved the cruise ship setting and how it forced everyone to confront themselves and each other. That being said, probably won't be taking a cruise anytime soon.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group, thank you. This in no way affects my opinion.
After some initial confusion over the large cast of characters, I settled in nicely for an enjoyable read. The characters are realistically flawed and nuanced. I expected a little more humor, but there were some funny moments mixed in with the drama. The author nails the small miscommunications that can define relationships.
I loved the cruise ship setting and how it forced everyone to confront themselves and each other. That being said, probably won't be taking a cruise anytime soon.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group, thank you. This in no way affects my opinion.
June 25, 2019
A dysfunctional Jewish family goes on a cruise.... That's the punchline to Elyssa Friedland's third novel, The Floating Feldmans. Given that I'm Jewish and have gone on cruises with my family, this novel was instantly relatable. It also helped that I was close in age to Elise.
While there was a slower buildup to the actual cruise so we could get to know the characters, when everyone was finally together, it was smooth sailing from that point forward (no pun intended). I was curious to see where things would go in terms of the family dynamics and all the secrets. Especially since the prologue showed a scene that would happen later in the novel. With all the different perspectives, it reminded me of the Baby-Sitters Club super specials, such as the one where they were all on a cruise. Just more adult themed this time around... The different narratives allowed me to get to know each of the characters better, even the secondary ones (such as girlfriends and spouses).
There was a lot of humor, especially the way things were exaggerated in relation to the ship. It was also heartwarming when I least expected it to be. It would have been nice for Julian to have a part in the epilogue, but not a big deal that he didn't.
Overall, this is an entertaining and enjoyable novel that you'll want to have with you on vacation this summer (or any other time of year).
Movie casting ideas:
Julian: Justin Theroux
Annette: Ellen Greene
David: Victor Garber
Elise: Alyson Hannigan
Mitch: Patrick Fischler
Freddy: Timothy Olyphant
Natasha: Imogen Poots
Darius: Tanner Buchanan
Rachel: Ellie Darcey-Alden
While there was a slower buildup to the actual cruise so we could get to know the characters, when everyone was finally together, it was smooth sailing from that point forward (no pun intended). I was curious to see where things would go in terms of the family dynamics and all the secrets. Especially since the prologue showed a scene that would happen later in the novel. With all the different perspectives, it reminded me of the Baby-Sitters Club super specials, such as the one where they were all on a cruise. Just more adult themed this time around... The different narratives allowed me to get to know each of the characters better, even the secondary ones (such as girlfriends and spouses).
There was a lot of humor, especially the way things were exaggerated in relation to the ship. It was also heartwarming when I least expected it to be. It would have been nice for Julian to have a part in the epilogue, but not a big deal that he didn't.
Overall, this is an entertaining and enjoyable novel that you'll want to have with you on vacation this summer (or any other time of year).
Movie casting ideas:
Julian: Justin Theroux
Annette: Ellen Greene
David: Victor Garber
Elise: Alyson Hannigan
Mitch: Patrick Fischler
Freddy: Timothy Olyphant
Natasha: Imogen Poots
Darius: Tanner Buchanan
Rachel: Ellie Darcey-Alden
May 13, 2019
Annette is turning 70, and her birthday wish is to take her entire family on a cruise to spend some wonderful quality time together. For an entire week, the family will be trapped together on a cruise ship with no way to escape. This is the perfect trope for a delightful, uproarious family comedy.
Elise, her daughter, is dealing with a secret addiction; her husband, Mitch, has a major announcement to make once the entire family gathered; and their kids are both hiding some aspects of their lives. Elise’s feckless loser brother Freddy is also coming, along with his younger girlfriend Natasha, and somehow Freddy isn’t such a loser anymore, but that’s quite the surprise.
With these family dynamics, I was expecting the satirical family comedy that I love, like Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony or Jonathan Tropper’s This is Where I Leave You and The Book of Joe. I wanted the over-the-top family explosions that come from family members with their own quirks, personalities, and triggers, being caught together in a forced-relationship crucible.
In The Floating Feldmans, a large portion of the book is spent on set up, with each character getting their own omniscient narration. Friedland allows each character time to explain their troubles and role in the family, which goes on for quite some time. Once everyone is on board the ship I expected major comedic entertainment from everyone confronting one another, but aside from one moderate argumentative dinner, this never really came to pass.
I wanted hilarity, awkwardness, and spontaneous pandemonium that never materialized. A few characters, such as the phlegmatic patriarch David and the one-dimensional cruise director Julian, were even superfluous and irrelevant. Regardless, there’s a sweet ending and the family loves one another, despite the truths that come out.
All in all, it was okay. It was entertaining, but never engaging enough for me to look forward to reading more.
Many thanks to Penguin FirstToRead for the advance copy.
Elise, her daughter, is dealing with a secret addiction; her husband, Mitch, has a major announcement to make once the entire family gathered; and their kids are both hiding some aspects of their lives. Elise’s feckless loser brother Freddy is also coming, along with his younger girlfriend Natasha, and somehow Freddy isn’t such a loser anymore, but that’s quite the surprise.
With these family dynamics, I was expecting the satirical family comedy that I love, like Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony or Jonathan Tropper’s This is Where I Leave You and The Book of Joe. I wanted the over-the-top family explosions that come from family members with their own quirks, personalities, and triggers, being caught together in a forced-relationship crucible.
In The Floating Feldmans, a large portion of the book is spent on set up, with each character getting their own omniscient narration. Friedland allows each character time to explain their troubles and role in the family, which goes on for quite some time. Once everyone is on board the ship I expected major comedic entertainment from everyone confronting one another, but aside from one moderate argumentative dinner, this never really came to pass.
I wanted hilarity, awkwardness, and spontaneous pandemonium that never materialized. A few characters, such as the phlegmatic patriarch David and the one-dimensional cruise director Julian, were even superfluous and irrelevant. Regardless, there’s a sweet ending and the family loves one another, despite the truths that come out.
All in all, it was okay. It was entertaining, but never engaging enough for me to look forward to reading more.
Many thanks to Penguin FirstToRead for the advance copy.
May 7, 2019
Thank you to the publishing house for providing an advanced copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I'm such a sucker for dysfunctional family stories and The Floating Feldmans is a fun one, if those are your cup of tea too!
The premise of this one is that Annette Feldman has decided that she is going to book a cruise for her entire family, in honor of her 70th birthday! It has been over a decade since they have all been together and getting them all on a boat has them trapped into oodles of family time together.
Each of these siblings has come on their boat with an extra set of baggage though (sorry, I can't resist a good pun!) and this luggage harbors a lot of old secrets and the terrible kinds of hurts that only a family member can seem to hold against you.
Some have grown up for the better, some have secrets that threaten their future, and the grandkids just might have a couple secrets of their own.
Told from alternating perspectives, this is over-the-top fun and had me laughing out loud at various points.
If you just want a fun escape, add this one to your beach bag. I'm recommending this one for fans of, This is Where I Leave You .
I'm such a sucker for dysfunctional family stories and The Floating Feldmans is a fun one, if those are your cup of tea too!
The premise of this one is that Annette Feldman has decided that she is going to book a cruise for her entire family, in honor of her 70th birthday! It has been over a decade since they have all been together and getting them all on a boat has them trapped into oodles of family time together.
Each of these siblings has come on their boat with an extra set of baggage though (sorry, I can't resist a good pun!) and this luggage harbors a lot of old secrets and the terrible kinds of hurts that only a family member can seem to hold against you.
Some have grown up for the better, some have secrets that threaten their future, and the grandkids just might have a couple secrets of their own.
Told from alternating perspectives, this is over-the-top fun and had me laughing out loud at various points.
If you just want a fun escape, add this one to your beach bag. I'm recommending this one for fans of, This is Where I Leave You .
May 3, 2019
Sometimes I hate giving 'meh' reviews of books. This is one of those times.
This just wasn't my cup of tea. I found all the characters extremely unlikable. From the first chapter, the dialogue was grating; it tried my patience at times and I found myself grinding my teeth in irritation at these people. I guess in that aspect, it's very true to life...how those we love the most get under our skin the worst, and wield the power to both maim and make whole.
Saying that, if you like family drama sagas, you'll probably very much enjoy this. As for me, I'll stick with my twisty suspense. This wasn't the rollicking fun time I was promised. You really have to be a fan of this acidic genre to stomach this one.
Thanks to Berkeley for the ARC.
This just wasn't my cup of tea. I found all the characters extremely unlikable. From the first chapter, the dialogue was grating; it tried my patience at times and I found myself grinding my teeth in irritation at these people. I guess in that aspect, it's very true to life...how those we love the most get under our skin the worst, and wield the power to both maim and make whole.
Saying that, if you like family drama sagas, you'll probably very much enjoy this. As for me, I'll stick with my twisty suspense. This wasn't the rollicking fun time I was promised. You really have to be a fan of this acidic genre to stomach this one.
Thanks to Berkeley for the ARC.
November 9, 2018
From the brilliant author of The Intermission, this family saga is as relatable as it is entertaining!!
The Felmans' are fantastically dysfunctional, and like many families they don't realize just how much until they're all sequestered together for a family cruise.
I love her easy writing, quirky and flushed out characters, and how you can so quickly become immersed in her lightheaded by accurate storytelling.
If you enjoyed Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak you'll love this delicious family story too!
Galley borrowed from the publisher.
The Felmans' are fantastically dysfunctional, and like many families they don't realize just how much until they're all sequestered together for a family cruise.
I love her easy writing, quirky and flushed out characters, and how you can so quickly become immersed in her lightheaded by accurate storytelling.
If you enjoyed Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak you'll love this delicious family story too!
Galley borrowed from the publisher.
Read
January 10, 2019Loved this book!
July 5, 2019
Lindas Book Obsession Reviews "The Floating Feldmans" by Elyssa Friedland, Penguin Random House, July 23, 2019
Elyssa Friedland, Author of "The Floating Feldmans" has written a witty, entertaining,and emotional novel. The Genres for this story are Domestic Fiction, Humor, and Women's Fiction. The author describes her dysfunctional cast of characters as complex, and complicated, each having their own set of problems and secrets.
Annette Feldman is going to be 70 and has decided that she wants the whole family to go on a cruise. The Feldmans don't communicate well on the land, so you can imagine what will happen at sea. They all will need their life preservers, that is for sure!! Not only is there a lack of communication, but every Feldman also seems to have a secret.
There is a touch of satire, and I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, honesty, communication, emotional support and love. I recommend this amusing and thought-provoking story! Happy Reading!!
Elyssa Friedland, Author of "The Floating Feldmans" has written a witty, entertaining,and emotional novel. The Genres for this story are Domestic Fiction, Humor, and Women's Fiction. The author describes her dysfunctional cast of characters as complex, and complicated, each having their own set of problems and secrets.
Annette Feldman is going to be 70 and has decided that she wants the whole family to go on a cruise. The Feldmans don't communicate well on the land, so you can imagine what will happen at sea. They all will need their life preservers, that is for sure!! Not only is there a lack of communication, but every Feldman also seems to have a secret.
There is a touch of satire, and I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, honesty, communication, emotional support and love. I recommend this amusing and thought-provoking story! Happy Reading!!
July 21, 2019
Annette Feldman wants to celebrate her 70th Birth Day with her family by taking a cruise. Told from multiple point of views. This was a good read. Family dysfunction and secrets bring on the waves during this cruise. A fast summer read. I enjoyed it.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Dawnny-BookGypsy
July 11, 2023
This was an enjoyable read! It follows a very dysfunctional family who go on a cruise vacation together. They all have secrets and baggage and honestly are not like able characters at first but the character development is great! It had a feel good ending and I gave it 4⭐️ overall
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