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The Imperfects
The Nest
meets Curtis Sittenfeld in this captivating novel about a priceless inheritance that leads one family on a life-altering pursuit of the truth.
The Millers are far from perfect. Estranged siblings Beck, Ashley and Jake find themselves under one roof for the first time in years, forced to confront old resentments and betrayals, when their mysterious, eccentric matriarch, Helen, passes away. But their lives are about to change when they find a secret inheritance hidden among her possessions—the Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat yellow gemstone that went missing from the Austrian Empire a century ago.
Desperate to learn how one of the world’s most elusive diamonds ended up in Helen’s bedroom, they begin investigating her past only to realize how little they know about their brave, resilient grandmother. As the Millers race to determine whether they are the rightful heirs to the diamond and the fortune it promises, they uncover a past more tragic and powerful than they ever could have imagined, forever changing their connection to their heritage and each other.
Inspired by the true story of the real, still-missing Florentine Diamond, The Imperfects illuminates the sacrifices we make for family and how sometimes discovering the truth of the past is the only way to better the future.
The Millers are far from perfect. Estranged siblings Beck, Ashley and Jake find themselves under one roof for the first time in years, forced to confront old resentments and betrayals, when their mysterious, eccentric matriarch, Helen, passes away. But their lives are about to change when they find a secret inheritance hidden among her possessions—the Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat yellow gemstone that went missing from the Austrian Empire a century ago.
Desperate to learn how one of the world’s most elusive diamonds ended up in Helen’s bedroom, they begin investigating her past only to realize how little they know about their brave, resilient grandmother. As the Millers race to determine whether they are the rightful heirs to the diamond and the fortune it promises, they uncover a past more tragic and powerful than they ever could have imagined, forever changing their connection to their heritage and each other.
Inspired by the true story of the real, still-missing Florentine Diamond, The Imperfects illuminates the sacrifices we make for family and how sometimes discovering the truth of the past is the only way to better the future.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
488 people are currently reading
13464 people want to read
About the author
Amy Meyerson
7 books1,147 followersAmy Meyerson is the bestselling author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays, The Imperfects, and The Love Scribe. Her books have been translated into eleven languages, and her short fiction has been published in numerous literary magazines. Amy teaches in the writing department at the University of Southern California, where she completed her master's degree in creative writing. Her fourth novel, her first work of domestic suspense, will be published by Thomas & Mercer on January 1, 2026. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 709 reviews
May 8, 2021
This book is close to be perfect with inventive, exciting, moving, captivating story-telling and well crafted characterization based on the real story of Florentine Diamond which is still missing.
Let’s meet with Millers and its estranged family members. When you goggle their name the “dysfunctional family” term appears on your screen. They reluctantly come together because of their grandmother Helen’s sudden death. Ashley, Jake and Beck cannot stand with each other because they cannot pass through their resentments, boiled up angers, feel betrayed, deceived, prefer not to breathe the same air with each other are now at the same roof. Let’s pray, they won’t kill each other!
But guess what ? There is a secret inheritance’s existence appear among their grandmother’s possessions. Tatatata: And the big prize is: 137-carat yellow gemstone- The Florentine Diamond. Ding ding ding! Who’s gonna get this biggest prize? Beck, she inherits the brooch contains this yellow diamond, who is closer to their grandmother, showing the jewelry to her friend Victor. If they may prove her grandmother possess this diamond legally, they are gonna be millionaires! But there is a big question: How one of the most valuable jewelry piece on the earth ends up at their grandmother’s bedroom? They have to dig together to find out the hidden truth.
Their search about family history and secrets of Helen help them heal their broken relationships and understand each other profoundly. This book hooks you from the start, making you entertain, laughing hard with the characters’ quirkiness and their distressed relationships. And there are also emotional, tear jerking, ugly crying parts which helps you empathize with these characters and see the familiarities with your own life.
A life could be far from perfect but it is still worth to live and enjoy every moment! So c’est la vie!
The author did an amazing job and warmed my heart and gave me quiet inspiration with her beautiful writing. I’m giving my 4 yellow, shiny, moving, powerful stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for sharing this amazing ARC in exchange my honest review and I’m looking forward to read new books of Amy Meyerson.
Let’s meet with Millers and its estranged family members. When you goggle their name the “dysfunctional family” term appears on your screen. They reluctantly come together because of their grandmother Helen’s sudden death. Ashley, Jake and Beck cannot stand with each other because they cannot pass through their resentments, boiled up angers, feel betrayed, deceived, prefer not to breathe the same air with each other are now at the same roof. Let’s pray, they won’t kill each other!
But guess what ? There is a secret inheritance’s existence appear among their grandmother’s possessions. Tatatata: And the big prize is: 137-carat yellow gemstone- The Florentine Diamond. Ding ding ding! Who’s gonna get this biggest prize? Beck, she inherits the brooch contains this yellow diamond, who is closer to their grandmother, showing the jewelry to her friend Victor. If they may prove her grandmother possess this diamond legally, they are gonna be millionaires! But there is a big question: How one of the most valuable jewelry piece on the earth ends up at their grandmother’s bedroom? They have to dig together to find out the hidden truth.
Their search about family history and secrets of Helen help them heal their broken relationships and understand each other profoundly. This book hooks you from the start, making you entertain, laughing hard with the characters’ quirkiness and their distressed relationships. And there are also emotional, tear jerking, ugly crying parts which helps you empathize with these characters and see the familiarities with your own life.
A life could be far from perfect but it is still worth to live and enjoy every moment! So c’est la vie!
The author did an amazing job and warmed my heart and gave me quiet inspiration with her beautiful writing. I’m giving my 4 yellow, shiny, moving, powerful stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for sharing this amazing ARC in exchange my honest review and I’m looking forward to read new books of Amy Meyerson.
June 2, 2022
I loved the premise of this book. The story of a very dysfunctional family, The Miller's and how they came into the possession of the very elusive long-lost Florentine diamond from the Habsburg royal family (Austro-Hungarian empire.) When Helen Auerbach, family matriarch dies and leaves her daughter and three grandchildren a family heirloom no one can possibly believe it is a long-lost royal diamond. The family goes on a quest to find out how Helen came to have this and uncover her story (and also her mother Flora's as well.)
The writing is very good but the pacing was a bit slow for my liking. The family is very dysfunctional but my problem was more that there really wasn't any one character that was likeable for me. I didn't find the ending totally satisfying but overall it was a pretty good story.
The writing is very good but the pacing was a bit slow for my liking. The family is very dysfunctional but my problem was more that there really wasn't any one character that was likeable for me. I didn't find the ending totally satisfying but overall it was a pretty good story.
September 27, 2020
Squabbling siblings, a granny with a questionable past and the legend of the Florentine diamond all drew me to this story. I enjoy family sagas and if you throw in a little dysfunction and a sparkly bauble, I’m fully immersed.
Maybe the fighting grows out of their limited expectations for each other. If they try to be more generous, if they try to believe in each other, maybe the Millers can be another kind of family, one not so quick to anger. One that forgives rather than holds grudges.
On the positive side, the story seamlessly bounces between the perspectives of the three siblings and their feckless mother, their complex relationships as imperfect as they come. The search for the diamond’s origins from its storied past to its setting in a costume brooch leads back to Nazi Germany and as with so much that’s still to unearth, I learned things I’d not come across before.
On the less than stellar side, the story took almost 100 pages to take off with a bit too much detail and I would have liked to learn more about the Habsburgs, but that’s easily remedied with further reading. What was the most thorny was that all of the characters were so unlikeable, only the deceased Grandmother was someone I’d stomach in real life.
Still, I’m bumping it from 3.5 to four stars due to a captivating story, compelling writing and insights into the meaning of family and forgiveness.
On a personal note...this book reminded me that we let grandparents and others in our lives pass without knowing their full stories. Before my maternal grandmother died, I started to gather some of her stories, but she'd already lost some of her memories to dementia. It's one of the regrets of my life that I, and the rest of our family, don't know more about this amazing woman who remade her life in her 50s in a new country.
Maybe the fighting grows out of their limited expectations for each other. If they try to be more generous, if they try to believe in each other, maybe the Millers can be another kind of family, one not so quick to anger. One that forgives rather than holds grudges.
On the positive side, the story seamlessly bounces between the perspectives of the three siblings and their feckless mother, their complex relationships as imperfect as they come. The search for the diamond’s origins from its storied past to its setting in a costume brooch leads back to Nazi Germany and as with so much that’s still to unearth, I learned things I’d not come across before.
On the less than stellar side, the story took almost 100 pages to take off with a bit too much detail and I would have liked to learn more about the Habsburgs, but that’s easily remedied with further reading. What was the most thorny was that all of the characters were so unlikeable, only the deceased Grandmother was someone I’d stomach in real life.
Still, I’m bumping it from 3.5 to four stars due to a captivating story, compelling writing and insights into the meaning of family and forgiveness.
On a personal note...this book reminded me that we let grandparents and others in our lives pass without knowing their full stories. Before my maternal grandmother died, I started to gather some of her stories, but she'd already lost some of her memories to dementia. It's one of the regrets of my life that I, and the rest of our family, don't know more about this amazing woman who remade her life in her 50s in a new country.
May 5, 2021
This delicious, compulsively readable novel of an estranged family--three grown children, each with their secrets and divided loyalties, their hapless hippie mother and a grandmother with secrets, who dies, leaving her house to her daughter and her one special bequest to the youngest granddaughter Beck--a costume jewelry brooch which is so much more than that, a historic diamond for decades thought lost.
The novel is both a gripping mystery and a family tale of imperfect people fighting to overcome raw memories of neglect, selfishness, betrayals, mistakes and secrets which stand in the way of their clear love for one another. To understand the mystery of the brooch, they have to work together, and ultimately through their labors to discover the jewel's history, learn far more about themselves than they had ever expected.
Large gemstones have a certain magic of their own, and Meyerson expertly captures that fascination, in her wonderful tracing of the origin of the secret brooch. But it is the tale of the reconciliation of the siblings--the yuppie wife Abigail, the stoner screenwriter Jake, and Beck the overqualified paralegal-- and their colorful, ever-hopeful mother Deborah (think Frankie of Grace and Frankie), as they begin to a uncover family secrets which Deborah's mother Helen had kept until death.
I read this book morning and night until it was done, unable to break free of its spell. A sheer delight and a perfect gift for Mother's Day.
The novel is both a gripping mystery and a family tale of imperfect people fighting to overcome raw memories of neglect, selfishness, betrayals, mistakes and secrets which stand in the way of their clear love for one another. To understand the mystery of the brooch, they have to work together, and ultimately through their labors to discover the jewel's history, learn far more about themselves than they had ever expected.
Large gemstones have a certain magic of their own, and Meyerson expertly captures that fascination, in her wonderful tracing of the origin of the secret brooch. But it is the tale of the reconciliation of the siblings--the yuppie wife Abigail, the stoner screenwriter Jake, and Beck the overqualified paralegal-- and their colorful, ever-hopeful mother Deborah (think Frankie of Grace and Frankie), as they begin to a uncover family secrets which Deborah's mother Helen had kept until death.
I read this book morning and night until it was done, unable to break free of its spell. A sheer delight and a perfect gift for Mother's Day.
June 22, 2025
The Millers are not your average family, they haven’t seen each other in years and they have an unusual relationship. When Helen Auerbach suddenly passes away her daughter and grandchildren attend her funeral and Shiva. Siblings, Ashley, Beck and Jake stay at Helen’s house on Edgehill Road with their mother Deborah. Helen has always been a very private person, they don’t know a lot about her past and it’s a shock when her will is read. She leaves her house to Deborah, money to her grandchildren and a broach to Beck?
Beck assumes the broach is a piece of costume jewellery and she stunned to find out the yellow gemstone in the middle is the Florentine Diamond, a 137 carat yellow diamond that went missing from the Austrian Empire in 1918. How did one of the world most famous missing diamonds end up in America and in her grandmother's possession?
As they look into Helen’s past, they realize they how little they knew about her, she lived frugally and Deborah can’t find any information about her birth. They discover that Helen came to America as a teenager in 1939, one of 50 Jewish children and sponsored by a Philadelphia lawyer. The three Miller children travel to Vienna to find out what they can about Helen’s family, her mother Flora, father Leib and brother Martin. What they uncover is tragic, they understand more about their Jewish heritage and why Helen didn’t talk about her family.
The Imperfects is a story about the Miller family changing it’s dysfunctional relationship, to have a happy future together and they needed to move forward. All while trying to solve the complicated mystery of the Florentine Diamond, how Helen came to have it made into a broach, who's the rightful owner and the value. If you like stories with hidden family secrets and a century old mysterious treasure, a present time setting and I suggest reading The Imperfects. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and three and a half stars from me.
Beck assumes the broach is a piece of costume jewellery and she stunned to find out the yellow gemstone in the middle is the Florentine Diamond, a 137 carat yellow diamond that went missing from the Austrian Empire in 1918. How did one of the world most famous missing diamonds end up in America and in her grandmother's possession?
As they look into Helen’s past, they realize they how little they knew about her, she lived frugally and Deborah can’t find any information about her birth. They discover that Helen came to America as a teenager in 1939, one of 50 Jewish children and sponsored by a Philadelphia lawyer. The three Miller children travel to Vienna to find out what they can about Helen’s family, her mother Flora, father Leib and brother Martin. What they uncover is tragic, they understand more about their Jewish heritage and why Helen didn’t talk about her family.
The Imperfects is a story about the Miller family changing it’s dysfunctional relationship, to have a happy future together and they needed to move forward. All while trying to solve the complicated mystery of the Florentine Diamond, how Helen came to have it made into a broach, who's the rightful owner and the value. If you like stories with hidden family secrets and a century old mysterious treasure, a present time setting and I suggest reading The Imperfects. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and three and a half stars from me.
August 16, 2020
A sequel novel of magnificent proportions
Having loved Amy's debut novel, The Bookshop of Yesterdays, I was excited to learn of her next one. The matriarch of the family passes and a granddaughter inherits what appears to be a costume jewelry brooch. With meticulous research Amy tells a story of a family that uncovers unknown mysteries and with each piece, momentum builds. While the characters aren't unique, the story and plot twists make up for it. Then like a magician, she distracts the reader in order to avoid what might seem predictable. The mark of a good writer is creative weaving of plot elements with relatable characters and story. Worthwhile in all respects, I'm eager to read Amy's next book
Having loved Amy's debut novel, The Bookshop of Yesterdays, I was excited to learn of her next one. The matriarch of the family passes and a granddaughter inherits what appears to be a costume jewelry brooch. With meticulous research Amy tells a story of a family that uncovers unknown mysteries and with each piece, momentum builds. While the characters aren't unique, the story and plot twists make up for it. Then like a magician, she distracts the reader in order to avoid what might seem predictable. The mark of a good writer is creative weaving of plot elements with relatable characters and story. Worthwhile in all respects, I'm eager to read Amy's next book
April 7, 2020
The Millers, central characters to this story, make up a completely dysfunctional family.While there story outlines the difficulty between the women of the family, a mom and two sisters; and the one son. The reader learns early that not only is this generation dysfunctional, the problems go back at least one more generation to include the dysfunctional relationship between their grandmother and their mother.
The grandmother, Helen, dies and Becc, the granddaughter who learns of Helen’s death, then that she has been named the executrix of Helen’s will and that Helen has left the house to her mother, and the majority of the estate she has left to be divided between the three siblings. The only thing mentioned specifically for Becc is a brooch that appears to be of little or no intrinsic value.
As Beck begins to question her grandmother's choices, she learns the booche actually has a huge diamond in the center, one that has been missing for years.
After an uncomfortable meeting with the rest of the Miller family, Beck decides to tell them about the brooch and they all agree to consider selling it, but only after they have leaned how their grandmother came to be in possession of it.
From this point on, the family encounters one difficulty after another as they begin to research the diamond. There are multiple side stories that add to each sibling’s situation and usually to their desire to sell the brooch. One sister’s husband has committed fraud and must pay the company back along with probably going to jail. Beck is wrestling with the fact she is a better employee than most of the others at her law firm but because of a poor decision she made in highschool she was kicked out of law school. Beck’s brother has neve managed to make much of himself. He had overnight success with his first screenplay which laid bare the sister’s individual character flaws and since that time all he has managed to do is smoke marijuana and work at Trader Joes. His live-in girlfriend is pregnant, he loses his job and is desperate for money. All three siblings are estranged from their mother who has never been a successful parent and who blames her mother for that fact.
The story of the diamond, how it came to be in Helen’s possession and how she used some of the accompanying stones had some interest, but is completely overshadowed by the family’s struggles, their dysfunctionality and their individual struggles. There are few, if any, positive aspects to any of the characters in the story, making it difficult to care if they discover the origin of the diamond or if they become more likeable as individuals. I also found the ending to be less than satisfying in terms of how the future might unfold for any of the four principle characters.
My thanks to Harlequin - Trade Publishing U.S. & Canada, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance digital read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The grandmother, Helen, dies and Becc, the granddaughter who learns of Helen’s death, then that she has been named the executrix of Helen’s will and that Helen has left the house to her mother, and the majority of the estate she has left to be divided between the three siblings. The only thing mentioned specifically for Becc is a brooch that appears to be of little or no intrinsic value.
As Beck begins to question her grandmother's choices, she learns the booche actually has a huge diamond in the center, one that has been missing for years.
After an uncomfortable meeting with the rest of the Miller family, Beck decides to tell them about the brooch and they all agree to consider selling it, but only after they have leaned how their grandmother came to be in possession of it.
From this point on, the family encounters one difficulty after another as they begin to research the diamond. There are multiple side stories that add to each sibling’s situation and usually to their desire to sell the brooch. One sister’s husband has committed fraud and must pay the company back along with probably going to jail. Beck is wrestling with the fact she is a better employee than most of the others at her law firm but because of a poor decision she made in highschool she was kicked out of law school. Beck’s brother has neve managed to make much of himself. He had overnight success with his first screenplay which laid bare the sister’s individual character flaws and since that time all he has managed to do is smoke marijuana and work at Trader Joes. His live-in girlfriend is pregnant, he loses his job and is desperate for money. All three siblings are estranged from their mother who has never been a successful parent and who blames her mother for that fact.
The story of the diamond, how it came to be in Helen’s possession and how she used some of the accompanying stones had some interest, but is completely overshadowed by the family’s struggles, their dysfunctionality and their individual struggles. There are few, if any, positive aspects to any of the characters in the story, making it difficult to care if they discover the origin of the diamond or if they become more likeable as individuals. I also found the ending to be less than satisfying in terms of how the future might unfold for any of the four principle characters.
My thanks to Harlequin - Trade Publishing U.S. & Canada, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance digital read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2021
This is a story with a few plotlines. We have the Millers, an extremely dysfunctional family, an extremely valuable diamond that disappeared in the early 20th century, dysfunctional adults with secrets, death of a matriarch and all that goes with that, and family lineage. When Helen dies, she leaves behind her estate to be executed by her granddaughter Beck. When the family all arrive at Helen's home, there are bound to be fireworks. They have not been together in over three years. When the will is read, there are a lot of questions, emotions, distrust that leads this group on a journey that leads them to places they had never expected.
I do not want to give away anymore of the story than the synopsis of this book. The characters all have baggage, secrets and anger. Trying to determine how Helen ended up with these jewels takes more time and effort than expected, all the way to Austria. There were times that I was frustrated with the siblings. I kept shouting, enough, give it a rest, but they didn't listen to me. For every one step forward, there was one step back. The story is told from the POVs of all three siblings, Beck, Ashley and Jake as well as their mother Deborah. Through there eyes we also learn about Helen and Flora, Helen's mother. There is some romance, but not a lot, some relationship building and repairing and a lot of forgiveness. This is a contemporary novel about family as well as a historical fiction story. I learned about the Hapsburgs, a time and a family that I did not know about before. I also learned quite a bit about diamonds and jewelry.
I did a read/listen for this book. The audiobook was narrated by Cassandra Campbell. She is one of my favourite narrators and I was not disappointed with this performance. She used expression and intonation to give emotion to the characters and her voices, including accents in the European sections of the book, were well done. A very enjoyable listening experience. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request.
I do not want to give away anymore of the story than the synopsis of this book. The characters all have baggage, secrets and anger. Trying to determine how Helen ended up with these jewels takes more time and effort than expected, all the way to Austria. There were times that I was frustrated with the siblings. I kept shouting, enough, give it a rest, but they didn't listen to me. For every one step forward, there was one step back. The story is told from the POVs of all three siblings, Beck, Ashley and Jake as well as their mother Deborah. Through there eyes we also learn about Helen and Flora, Helen's mother. There is some romance, but not a lot, some relationship building and repairing and a lot of forgiveness. This is a contemporary novel about family as well as a historical fiction story. I learned about the Hapsburgs, a time and a family that I did not know about before. I also learned quite a bit about diamonds and jewelry.
I did a read/listen for this book. The audiobook was narrated by Cassandra Campbell. She is one of my favourite narrators and I was not disappointed with this performance. She used expression and intonation to give emotion to the characters and her voices, including accents in the European sections of the book, were well done. A very enjoyable listening experience. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request.
August 22, 2022
Imagine your grandmother passes away and leaves you a big, gaudy costume jewelry pin in her will. And then it turns out that this pin contains several priceless jewels including The Florentine, a 137-carat diamond that belonged to the emperor of Austria and has been missing since 1918.
That is the premise of this novel, and it's a good one. The lost Florentine diamond is real. The rest of the story is fiction. The author does a great job of following the Miller family as they piece together the mystery of how Helen Auerbach, a poor Jewish girl from Austria, ended up living a humble life in America, all the while possessing this priceless gem. Can they prove they have a real claim to the diamond, which would solve all of their many financial problems?
The action moved along at a decent pace, I was never bored and eager to find out the solution to the mystery. Where the story falls short for me is in the characters. They are all idiots and twats. I hated the whole family. The peripheral characters mostly suck, also. (This was the same problem I had with Meyerson's previous novel, The Bookshop of Yesterdays, where the main character was just awful.) I understand that it's right there in the title, these people are imperfect, as we all are. But still, it's a more rewarding experience if there is someone to care about.
Random thoughts (Possible Spoilers):
- One thing that drove absolutely mad was the whole premise that Deborah, the flighty mother, opened up a bunch of credit cards in her youngest daughter's name and 20 years later, the daughter "Beck" (stupid name, it really annoyed me) is still paying them off. Really? Isn't there some kind of fraud protection? If not, why wasn't Deborah working her silly ass off to help Beck pay off the debt instead of flitting around walking dogs and making vegan meals and whatnot? And if Helen had all these diamonds laying around, why didn't she sell one to help her favorite granddaughter remove this crushing debt that wasn't her fault?
- While it was nice to have closure, the existence of certain videotapes containing the exact information needed was a bit too contrived.
- Relating to the point above, since the author didn't mind a little bit of contrivance, I would have liked more closure on the Viktor thing.
That is the premise of this novel, and it's a good one. The lost Florentine diamond is real. The rest of the story is fiction. The author does a great job of following the Miller family as they piece together the mystery of how Helen Auerbach, a poor Jewish girl from Austria, ended up living a humble life in America, all the while possessing this priceless gem. Can they prove they have a real claim to the diamond, which would solve all of their many financial problems?
The action moved along at a decent pace, I was never bored and eager to find out the solution to the mystery. Where the story falls short for me is in the characters. They are all idiots and twats. I hated the whole family. The peripheral characters mostly suck, also. (This was the same problem I had with Meyerson's previous novel, The Bookshop of Yesterdays, where the main character was just awful.) I understand that it's right there in the title, these people are imperfect, as we all are. But still, it's a more rewarding experience if there is someone to care about.
Random thoughts (Possible Spoilers):
- One thing that drove absolutely mad was the whole premise that Deborah, the flighty mother, opened up a bunch of credit cards in her youngest daughter's name and 20 years later, the daughter "Beck" (stupid name, it really annoyed me) is still paying them off. Really? Isn't there some kind of fraud protection? If not, why wasn't Deborah working her silly ass off to help Beck pay off the debt instead of flitting around walking dogs and making vegan meals and whatnot? And if Helen had all these diamonds laying around, why didn't she sell one to help her favorite granddaughter remove this crushing debt that wasn't her fault?
- While it was nice to have closure, the existence of certain videotapes containing the exact information needed was a bit too contrived.
- Relating to the point above, since the author didn't mind a little bit of contrivance, I would have liked more closure on the Viktor thing.
April 28, 2020
The matriarch of the Miller family, Helen, passes away, and leaves an ornate broach to her granddaughter Beck. Beck, her two siblings, and her mother are forced together for Helen's funeral and have decades of resentment to work through. Although each individual family member had a relationship with Helen, none of them were aware that Helen had been holding on to the 137 carat Florentine yellow diamond hidden within her broach. The Florentine diamond has been missing since 1918 so how did Helen get this diamond in her possession?
Amy Meyerson's book goes through the lives of the Miller family as each member is dealing with their own set of challenges and setbacks. When they find out they could potentially make millions off of this diamond, their focus turns to proving their legitimacy to the diamond and that Helen obtained the diamond legally. Can they make their case in time or will another claim win out on top?
Although I really wanted this book to focus on the Helen, the diamond, and its history, the book focuses more on the lives of the Miller family. Unfortunately, I found all 4 of them to be annoying and very unlikeable. Each character was a different stereotype that never changed and constantly created more and more drama for themselves and their family. As a lover of historical fiction, if the book went back and forth between the lives of the Millers and the life of their grandmother and great-grandmother in Austria, I would have found this book much more enjoyable. I also found the ending to be completely unsatisfying and made me feel like what I had read had been a waste of time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Park View Publishing to granting me an ARC of this novel in exchange for my unbiased review.
Amy Meyerson's book goes through the lives of the Miller family as each member is dealing with their own set of challenges and setbacks. When they find out they could potentially make millions off of this diamond, their focus turns to proving their legitimacy to the diamond and that Helen obtained the diamond legally. Can they make their case in time or will another claim win out on top?
Although I really wanted this book to focus on the Helen, the diamond, and its history, the book focuses more on the lives of the Miller family. Unfortunately, I found all 4 of them to be annoying and very unlikeable. Each character was a different stereotype that never changed and constantly created more and more drama for themselves and their family. As a lover of historical fiction, if the book went back and forth between the lives of the Millers and the life of their grandmother and great-grandmother in Austria, I would have found this book much more enjoyable. I also found the ending to be completely unsatisfying and made me feel like what I had read had been a waste of time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Park View Publishing to granting me an ARC of this novel in exchange for my unbiased review.
April 27, 2021
Review in English | Reseña en Español
It was not a bad book, but not outstanding either. I feel the most historical fiction releases I’ve read tend to mix many elements that in the end, draw the reader’s attention from the historical, fascinating elements that could make the story unforgettable. The Imperfects is the story of a family who receives a diamond as part of their inheritance, but obviously, it is not as wonderful as it seems. Soon, all of them realize they did not know who the matriarch of the family truly was and how she came into the possession of such an exquisite jewel. Helen is the grandmother who passes away, and her family (daughter, two granddaughters and a grandson) come together after being stranged for some time to discover the history of the diamond and Helen’s past. Helen was an Austrian Jew who came to the United States as a girl, bringing a diamond belonging to the Habsburg dynasty. This premise sounds very interesting and could have been explored further in my opinion. However, the author chose to mix this premise with the portrait of a dysfunctional family, no other than Helen’s relatives. While I liked the realistic portrait of the complexity of families, I felt this element took away the drama of the historical fiction. Also, I felt all of the characters where kind of naïve and a bit dumb and I could not believe that out of the three grandchildren (all above 30) none was mature enough to deal with things. Another aspect that bothered me was that you have to suspend your belief in many parts of the story and there are many things that feel just too convenient to be believable. For example, how come that Becca, the eldest granddaughter, happens to have a friend who is a jewel expert? I mean, for me these professions are kind of specific, is not the type of person you easily meet. Also, Deborah was so annoying. Ok, there are parents that truly never mature but her personality was just, stupid. 65 years old and you still can be fooled by love? Sorry but no. The ending was also kind of disappointing and just confirmed my impression that Deborah was not a very intelligent women. So… while not all of the story was bad I felt it was a missed opportunity in building a stronger historical fiction that could hook the reader and the story of dysfunctional families could have been a whole different book.
___
Cada vez me pasa más seguido que los nuevos títulos de novelas históricas que se publican son muy decepcionantes. Como que se enfocan en mil cosas más salvo en los elementos históricos que hacen el género interesante. Sin duda la inclusión de retratos psicológicos es importante, pero creo que no deben desplazar totalmente la trama histórica, o debe haber un buen balance, mismo que desafortunadamente se pierde, como en el caso de esta novela. La premisa es súper interesante –un diamante desaparecido desde antes de la Primera Guerra Mundial, propiedad de la dinastía de los Habsburgo de Austria y que forma parte de la herencia dejada a una familia americana, casi 90 años después. Si bien el retrato de la complejidad de las relaciones familiares es atractivo, creo que esto da para una historia totalmente diferente, que pertenece a otro género. La familia de Helen (la matriarca que les hereda el diamante) es disfuncional pero el retrato de los personajes me pareció bastante simplón: todos unos tipos inmaduros. Y la verdad que eso distrae la atención de toda la trama histórica, que es interesante pero que no sobresale de todo lo demás que nos cuentan. En fin, sirve para pasar el rato pero hasta ahí.
It was not a bad book, but not outstanding either. I feel the most historical fiction releases I’ve read tend to mix many elements that in the end, draw the reader’s attention from the historical, fascinating elements that could make the story unforgettable. The Imperfects is the story of a family who receives a diamond as part of their inheritance, but obviously, it is not as wonderful as it seems. Soon, all of them realize they did not know who the matriarch of the family truly was and how she came into the possession of such an exquisite jewel. Helen is the grandmother who passes away, and her family (daughter, two granddaughters and a grandson) come together after being stranged for some time to discover the history of the diamond and Helen’s past. Helen was an Austrian Jew who came to the United States as a girl, bringing a diamond belonging to the Habsburg dynasty. This premise sounds very interesting and could have been explored further in my opinion. However, the author chose to mix this premise with the portrait of a dysfunctional family, no other than Helen’s relatives. While I liked the realistic portrait of the complexity of families, I felt this element took away the drama of the historical fiction. Also, I felt all of the characters where kind of naïve and a bit dumb and I could not believe that out of the three grandchildren (all above 30) none was mature enough to deal with things. Another aspect that bothered me was that you have to suspend your belief in many parts of the story and there are many things that feel just too convenient to be believable. For example, how come that Becca, the eldest granddaughter, happens to have a friend who is a jewel expert? I mean, for me these professions are kind of specific, is not the type of person you easily meet. Also, Deborah was so annoying. Ok, there are parents that truly never mature but her personality was just, stupid. 65 years old and you still can be fooled by love? Sorry but no. The ending was also kind of disappointing and just confirmed my impression that Deborah was not a very intelligent women. So… while not all of the story was bad I felt it was a missed opportunity in building a stronger historical fiction that could hook the reader and the story of dysfunctional families could have been a whole different book.
___
Cada vez me pasa más seguido que los nuevos títulos de novelas históricas que se publican son muy decepcionantes. Como que se enfocan en mil cosas más salvo en los elementos históricos que hacen el género interesante. Sin duda la inclusión de retratos psicológicos es importante, pero creo que no deben desplazar totalmente la trama histórica, o debe haber un buen balance, mismo que desafortunadamente se pierde, como en el caso de esta novela. La premisa es súper interesante –un diamante desaparecido desde antes de la Primera Guerra Mundial, propiedad de la dinastía de los Habsburgo de Austria y que forma parte de la herencia dejada a una familia americana, casi 90 años después. Si bien el retrato de la complejidad de las relaciones familiares es atractivo, creo que esto da para una historia totalmente diferente, que pertenece a otro género. La familia de Helen (la matriarca que les hereda el diamante) es disfuncional pero el retrato de los personajes me pareció bastante simplón: todos unos tipos inmaduros. Y la verdad que eso distrae la atención de toda la trama histórica, que es interesante pero que no sobresale de todo lo demás que nos cuentan. En fin, sirve para pasar el rato pero hasta ahí.
May 6, 2020
Amy Meyerson has created a captivating story about a hilariously dysfunctional family that comes into a shocking inheritance—a world-famous, priceless 137-carat diamond. Part expertly-plotted historical mystery, part tender family drama, and part juicy international caper, THE IMPERFECTS has it all. An absolute pleasure to read, guaranteed to have readers turning the pages late into the night.
June 14, 2020
Could not find any of the main characters likable and the ending was a big disappointment.
May 22, 2020
The Millers are an imperfect family. Deborah Miller was an absent mother to Beck, Ashley and Jake who were raised mostly by grandmother Helen. The father had long been out of the picture. We learn the backstories of the three children. Each are dealing with their own issues and resentments. Now they have to deal with the death of their grandmother Helen. The death brings the estranged family together.
Helen’s will states that her house goes to her daughter Deborah and the balance of the estate is to be split among the grandchildren with the exception of an unknown yellow diamond brooch which is to go to granddaughter Beck. While the piece of jewelry is found, it is assumed it is a piece of costume jewelry as the family had lived a modest life and the thought of a valuable piece of jewelry being in the family seemed unthinkable. In turns out that the yellow diamond is the missing Florentine Diamond. Missing since 1918 from Austria, the 137-carat treasure is worth millions.
The family seeks to find out how Helen came to own the diamond and the interesting and enjoyable unraveling of the family mystery begins. The journey leads the family back to the Austrian Empire as well as Helen’s journey to the U.S. fleeing the Nazis. While the family’s history is being revealed, the present-day family needs to deal with their own personal problems amassing.
The Imperfects is a good blend of family drama combined with historical fiction. I wish there was a little more on the history of the family and the struggles of Helen and her mother Flora. Deborah and her children are flawed characters – often unlikable. But you’ll root for the family as a whole hoping that learning about their family mystery can help each of them move on and heal.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
Helen’s will states that her house goes to her daughter Deborah and the balance of the estate is to be split among the grandchildren with the exception of an unknown yellow diamond brooch which is to go to granddaughter Beck. While the piece of jewelry is found, it is assumed it is a piece of costume jewelry as the family had lived a modest life and the thought of a valuable piece of jewelry being in the family seemed unthinkable. In turns out that the yellow diamond is the missing Florentine Diamond. Missing since 1918 from Austria, the 137-carat treasure is worth millions.
The family seeks to find out how Helen came to own the diamond and the interesting and enjoyable unraveling of the family mystery begins. The journey leads the family back to the Austrian Empire as well as Helen’s journey to the U.S. fleeing the Nazis. While the family’s history is being revealed, the present-day family needs to deal with their own personal problems amassing.
The Imperfects is a good blend of family drama combined with historical fiction. I wish there was a little more on the history of the family and the struggles of Helen and her mother Flora. Deborah and her children are flawed characters – often unlikable. But you’ll root for the family as a whole hoping that learning about their family mystery can help each of them move on and heal.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
November 29, 2020
I picked this one up because it’s the monthly pick from a local bookstore - and I’m really happy that I did! The combination of family dysfunction and historical mystery was pretty perfect and although I am still not sure I am completely satisfied with the ending, it definitely made me think.
July 9, 2022
Awe…. what a cute novel of mystery, history, family, and redemption. I enjoyed seeing the POV of each Miller child and their mom Deborah, but I do wish their parts were more separated. I’m disappointed it didn’t resolve perfectly but hey, that’s life I guess!
February 7, 2021
The Imperfects - a book to be inhaled in one gulp, following the hope, discord and division of an “imperfect” family, fragile yet tenderly holding itself together - and discovering the reason for its fault lines upon the death of their matriarch Helen. The novel is a mystery, gathered around the Florentine Diamond, and author Amy Myerson impeccably slivers its facets as an inheritance, an implosion into the lives of this unsuspecting family.
As with many immigrant families, the Millers’ ties verge close to estrangement, uneasy relationships unattached by much historical context. Helen has been their centre, yet fiercely private with a history essentially unknown; the adult grandchildren Ashley and Jeffrey are loosely attached in the present, while Beck, a paralegal lives nearby and has been a constant in her grandmother’s life. After her failed marriage to Kenny, her children’s father, mother Deborah has drifted unanchored through failed businesses and boyfriends, an impermanent figure in her children’s lives.
Helen’s death and will is a moment of awakening for this group- so ragtag in so many ways. The will’s specific bequests leave the house to her daughter Deborah; a dilapidated silver jewelled broach is given to Beck. Although on first appearance it seems to be a funky piece of 1950’s costume jewelry, it is in truth incredibly valuable - both monetarily and historically.
In this story, a diamond in the broach- the Florentine- leads the hunt to follow Helen, who came to America as one of fifty Jewish children escaping the Nazis in 1939- and how this jewel came into her possession. In its actual history, it was a Habsburg gem owned by the last emperor Karl and empress Zita of Austria-Hungary prior to WWI (and known as far back as the Médicis in 1657, but not part of this tale.).
Although the Holocaust looms large here, it is in the background. Relatable is the effect of the secrets, the hidden times which relatives chose or felt they had to choose during their lives to continue to be successful, to develop themselves or their families under the constraints of a new culture in a new country, and inadvertently could disenfranchise the next generation- causing them to disengage from the very family being established.
“Deborah’s mind drifts to her teenage years when Helen would scold her for being too American, which meant being too loose, too loud, too free. It had never occurred to Deborah that Helen did not feel American, did not feel free.”
The pacing of The Imperfects is lively, and gripping. The siblings each have lives gone astray, money issues and motives disparate from each other which add frisson to the plot; Beck holds them together stubbornly, motivated to find the truth of the diamond before selling it off.
The conclusion was a surprise. In light of the truth of the actual Florentine diamond, there was a faithfulness which I found endearing upon contemplation. The beauty of this novel was in the seeking, the hope while the very human characters muddled their ways through, and found each other.
The research is fascinating. Impressive all round. Five stars.
As with many immigrant families, the Millers’ ties verge close to estrangement, uneasy relationships unattached by much historical context. Helen has been their centre, yet fiercely private with a history essentially unknown; the adult grandchildren Ashley and Jeffrey are loosely attached in the present, while Beck, a paralegal lives nearby and has been a constant in her grandmother’s life. After her failed marriage to Kenny, her children’s father, mother Deborah has drifted unanchored through failed businesses and boyfriends, an impermanent figure in her children’s lives.
Helen’s death and will is a moment of awakening for this group- so ragtag in so many ways. The will’s specific bequests leave the house to her daughter Deborah; a dilapidated silver jewelled broach is given to Beck. Although on first appearance it seems to be a funky piece of 1950’s costume jewelry, it is in truth incredibly valuable - both monetarily and historically.
In this story, a diamond in the broach- the Florentine- leads the hunt to follow Helen, who came to America as one of fifty Jewish children escaping the Nazis in 1939- and how this jewel came into her possession. In its actual history, it was a Habsburg gem owned by the last emperor Karl and empress Zita of Austria-Hungary prior to WWI (and known as far back as the Médicis in 1657, but not part of this tale.).
Although the Holocaust looms large here, it is in the background. Relatable is the effect of the secrets, the hidden times which relatives chose or felt they had to choose during their lives to continue to be successful, to develop themselves or their families under the constraints of a new culture in a new country, and inadvertently could disenfranchise the next generation- causing them to disengage from the very family being established.
“Deborah’s mind drifts to her teenage years when Helen would scold her for being too American, which meant being too loose, too loud, too free. It had never occurred to Deborah that Helen did not feel American, did not feel free.”
The pacing of The Imperfects is lively, and gripping. The siblings each have lives gone astray, money issues and motives disparate from each other which add frisson to the plot; Beck holds them together stubbornly, motivated to find the truth of the diamond before selling it off.
The conclusion was a surprise. In light of the truth of the actual Florentine diamond, there was a faithfulness which I found endearing upon contemplation. The beauty of this novel was in the seeking, the hope while the very human characters muddled their ways through, and found each other.
The research is fascinating. Impressive all round. Five stars.
May 31, 2020
this is a great example of successful "telling, not showing". i know a lot of people prefer the latter, but i'm perfectly fine with this writing style. family drama's are fascinating to me because it all feels so REAL. all families are fucked up in someway.
these characters were frustrating as hell but felt very real. stubbornness runs rampant, and damn if that isn't the truth.
3.25 plot dragged a little but i really, really enjoyed my time reading this.
these characters were frustrating as hell but felt very real. stubbornness runs rampant, and damn if that isn't the truth.
3.25 plot dragged a little but i really, really enjoyed my time reading this.
May 24, 2020
I was so excited to read Amy Meyerson’s newest novel after having read and LOVED The Bookshop of Yesterdays but The Imperfects was not what I expected. The book, written in 3rd person present tense, feels juvenile not only for the writing style but because the entire book is driven by so much BICKERING dialogue between all of the Miller siblings, their spouses, and mother. The story progressed as slow molasses because every single step of the novel is interrupted with more BICKERING between characters. All of the bickering and fighting and grudge holding laced into the story line gave me a headache!! Have I mentioned that there is too much bickering?
The characters are unlikeable - usually flawed protagonists have redeeming qualities but as a reader, I just couldn’t stand any of them!
As for the historical contexts in the book, it was written in such a disjointed and confusing way that you have to stop and think about the names, dates, and places to make sense of the unfolding mystery. This part of the book would have been enjoyable if it were more straightforwardly written.
The ending was disappointing as well. I don’t want to include spoilers but truly couldn’t believe after all of that, the author chose this very unsatisfying ending!
If you are reading this review, don’t let it deter you from picking up Bookshop of Yesterdays by the same author!
The characters are unlikeable - usually flawed protagonists have redeeming qualities but as a reader, I just couldn’t stand any of them!
As for the historical contexts in the book, it was written in such a disjointed and confusing way that you have to stop and think about the names, dates, and places to make sense of the unfolding mystery. This part of the book would have been enjoyable if it were more straightforwardly written.
The ending was disappointing as well. I don’t want to include spoilers but truly couldn’t believe after all of that, the author chose this very unsatisfying ending!
If you are reading this review, don’t let it deter you from picking up Bookshop of Yesterdays by the same author!
January 1, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Beck stares at the enormous yellow diamond, waiting for Helen’s face to appear in it, to toll her eyes and say, Please you always knew I had my secrets. Beck knew that Helen had stories she’s never shared. Stories about what happened to her family in Vienna during the Holocaust, why she traveled to the US alone. These were an untold past, one that Beck assumed held too much pain for Helen to revisit. This tone, though, it bears secrets, ones Beck can’t begin to imagine.’
A tangled family mystery, an heirloom, the past, sibling issues, greed and ownership defines The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson. A compelling story that draws the reader into the past, weaving together a family lineage linked to the possession of a famous gemstone, The Imperfects will spark the interest of readers who appreciate an intriguing generational based tale.
Meet the Miller family fold. Siblings Ashley, Beck and Jake have been estranged for a number of years, but the loss of the matriarch of their family Helen, brings this group together to help solve the mystery of a precious gemstone, recovered in the personal effects of their grandmother Helen’s belongings. When the Miller family discover that this 137 carat yellow gemstone went missing over one hundred years ago, they have more questions than answers as to why it was found with their grandmother. So begins a long and emotional journey into learning how the gemstone came to rest with their grandmother. Whilst digging into the past and uncovering some surprising secrets, the siblings begin to dream of what the wealth of this gemstone would provide to each of them if this precious jewel rightfully belonged to their family. But the search for and resulting fight for ultimate possession of the prized piece brings about startling revelations, claims and pure acts of greed. The Imperfects tells the story of a very flawed family who get caught up in retaining ownership of a relic from the past.
Stories that lean on the past, family, secrets, generations and mystery are always of great interest to me as a reader. I also have a fascination for the Austrian Empire, following a visit to Austria over a decade ago. My passion for anything Austrian related has never abated over the years and the chance to read a fictional story based around an Austrian heirloom was very much welcomed on my behalf. The Imperfects was an engrossing read that I enjoyed very much.
At the heart of The Imperfects is the sense of conflict that has marred this family fold for some time. Over the years the three siblings of this tale, Ashley, Beck and Jake have drifted apart. The loss of their grandmother is the impetus this family needs to bring them together as they strive to uncover the missing details of the mysterious gemstone that is found in their beloved grandmother’s hands. I really connected to this part of the story, overseeing the various disagreements, grievances, jealousies and misunderstandings that have plagued the Miller family over the years.
I also enjoyed the journey back into the past, which enables us to trace the origins of the 137 carat yellow gemstone. This was a fascinating adventure, as Meyerson gradually reveals the colourful life story of the gemstone and how it came into the hands of Helen, the recently deceased matriarch of this tale. With links to the war, the Austrian empire, the Nazi party and more, The Imperfects is a real treat for historical fiction fans. Meyerson recreates this sojourn back into the past with authenticity and clarity.
I’m sure I am not the only one who will go on an online search to discover more about the Florentine diamond, the precious gemstone that inspired the creation of this novel. I found this aspect of Amy Myerson’s story to be closely captivating and spellbinding. It also helped to elevate this novel a little further rating wise. I couldn’t get enough of this mystery, I really didn’t want it to end.
The Imperfects unveils the story behind a prized gemstone, family lineage connections, concealed truths, surprising revelations, loyalty, restitution, complicated relationships, rightful ownership and secrets lives. Amy Meyerson has crafted a consuming family history tale that I hold in high regard.
‘Beck stares at the enormous yellow diamond, waiting for Helen’s face to appear in it, to toll her eyes and say, Please you always knew I had my secrets. Beck knew that Helen had stories she’s never shared. Stories about what happened to her family in Vienna during the Holocaust, why she traveled to the US alone. These were an untold past, one that Beck assumed held too much pain for Helen to revisit. This tone, though, it bears secrets, ones Beck can’t begin to imagine.’
A tangled family mystery, an heirloom, the past, sibling issues, greed and ownership defines The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson. A compelling story that draws the reader into the past, weaving together a family lineage linked to the possession of a famous gemstone, The Imperfects will spark the interest of readers who appreciate an intriguing generational based tale.
Meet the Miller family fold. Siblings Ashley, Beck and Jake have been estranged for a number of years, but the loss of the matriarch of their family Helen, brings this group together to help solve the mystery of a precious gemstone, recovered in the personal effects of their grandmother Helen’s belongings. When the Miller family discover that this 137 carat yellow gemstone went missing over one hundred years ago, they have more questions than answers as to why it was found with their grandmother. So begins a long and emotional journey into learning how the gemstone came to rest with their grandmother. Whilst digging into the past and uncovering some surprising secrets, the siblings begin to dream of what the wealth of this gemstone would provide to each of them if this precious jewel rightfully belonged to their family. But the search for and resulting fight for ultimate possession of the prized piece brings about startling revelations, claims and pure acts of greed. The Imperfects tells the story of a very flawed family who get caught up in retaining ownership of a relic from the past.
Stories that lean on the past, family, secrets, generations and mystery are always of great interest to me as a reader. I also have a fascination for the Austrian Empire, following a visit to Austria over a decade ago. My passion for anything Austrian related has never abated over the years and the chance to read a fictional story based around an Austrian heirloom was very much welcomed on my behalf. The Imperfects was an engrossing read that I enjoyed very much.
At the heart of The Imperfects is the sense of conflict that has marred this family fold for some time. Over the years the three siblings of this tale, Ashley, Beck and Jake have drifted apart. The loss of their grandmother is the impetus this family needs to bring them together as they strive to uncover the missing details of the mysterious gemstone that is found in their beloved grandmother’s hands. I really connected to this part of the story, overseeing the various disagreements, grievances, jealousies and misunderstandings that have plagued the Miller family over the years.
I also enjoyed the journey back into the past, which enables us to trace the origins of the 137 carat yellow gemstone. This was a fascinating adventure, as Meyerson gradually reveals the colourful life story of the gemstone and how it came into the hands of Helen, the recently deceased matriarch of this tale. With links to the war, the Austrian empire, the Nazi party and more, The Imperfects is a real treat for historical fiction fans. Meyerson recreates this sojourn back into the past with authenticity and clarity.
I’m sure I am not the only one who will go on an online search to discover more about the Florentine diamond, the precious gemstone that inspired the creation of this novel. I found this aspect of Amy Myerson’s story to be closely captivating and spellbinding. It also helped to elevate this novel a little further rating wise. I couldn’t get enough of this mystery, I really didn’t want it to end.
The Imperfects unveils the story behind a prized gemstone, family lineage connections, concealed truths, surprising revelations, loyalty, restitution, complicated relationships, rightful ownership and secrets lives. Amy Meyerson has crafted a consuming family history tale that I hold in high regard.
June 23, 2020
This was an entertaining read about a dysfunctional family of 3 estranged siblings and their mother,brought together when the family matriarch passes away! While planning her funeral and going through the will, they find their grandmother has left her home to her daughter and a special brooch to her youngest granddaughter. After inspection they come to find out that the main diamond in this brooch is the long lost Florentine Diamond, 137 carat diamond. These siblings come together to do whatever it takes to find out the mystery behind this "missing" piece of history and how it ended up in their grandmothers possession! If they can prove it rightfully belongs to their grandmother, they'll not only be set for life, but also millionaires!
Throughout the story there are arguments and forgiveness, and you watch as this family grows closer than they have ever been. I am loving all the family stories that I've been picking up lately and this one was right up my alley. I loved learning that this story was based on a true story of the real missing Florentine Diamond, something I never heard about. This has parts that read like a historical fiction book, and I can tell the author had some research to do to give us such a fantastic, intriguing read! The ending was a bit abrupt and I wanted a little more which is why I removed 1 star, but I would still definitely recommend this one!!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted review copy!
Throughout the story there are arguments and forgiveness, and you watch as this family grows closer than they have ever been. I am loving all the family stories that I've been picking up lately and this one was right up my alley. I loved learning that this story was based on a true story of the real missing Florentine Diamond, something I never heard about. This has parts that read like a historical fiction book, and I can tell the author had some research to do to give us such a fantastic, intriguing read! The ending was a bit abrupt and I wanted a little more which is why I removed 1 star, but I would still definitely recommend this one!!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted review copy!
May 15, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a contemporary novel with an interesting historical element. The mysterious Florentine Diamond and how it came into the family’s possession makes the book intriguing to read. However, the intrigue becomes lost due to the large number of characters and slow moving plot.
The concept of The Imperfects is really unique and I was immediately drawn in to learn more about the Florentine Diamond and how it came into Helen’s possession. The details about the diamond and its history give the story some compelling moments. It is enjoyable to read about the author’s ideas of what might have become of this infamous diamond after its disappearance in 1918.
❀ QUITE A FEW CHARACTERS
As there are quite a few main characters and side characters in the book, it takes a bit of time and energy to keep track of them all. This really affected my enjoyment of the novel because it took a lot of effort to remember who is who. There isn’t one character that really stands out as a favourite, but there are a couple that are more likeable than others. Helen is definitely the most intriguing of the family members, as she has such an mysterious history.
❀ SLOW-PACED
This book moves at a very slow pace and there are very few chapter breaks. If not for my interest in the story of the diamond, I may have given up on it entirely. Also, the ending just didn’t seem to satisfy me for the effort that I made to stick with it.
❀ UNIQUE CONCEPT
The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a novel that has a unique and engaging concept. The historical component to the story is interesting, although there are far too many characters and a slow moving plot. That being said, this book might be enjoyable for those who are interested in historical fiction.
The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a contemporary novel with an interesting historical element. The mysterious Florentine Diamond and how it came into the family’s possession makes the book intriguing to read. However, the intrigue becomes lost due to the large number of characters and slow moving plot.
The concept of The Imperfects is really unique and I was immediately drawn in to learn more about the Florentine Diamond and how it came into Helen’s possession. The details about the diamond and its history give the story some compelling moments. It is enjoyable to read about the author’s ideas of what might have become of this infamous diamond after its disappearance in 1918.
❀ QUITE A FEW CHARACTERS
As there are quite a few main characters and side characters in the book, it takes a bit of time and energy to keep track of them all. This really affected my enjoyment of the novel because it took a lot of effort to remember who is who. There isn’t one character that really stands out as a favourite, but there are a couple that are more likeable than others. Helen is definitely the most intriguing of the family members, as she has such an mysterious history.
❀ SLOW-PACED
This book moves at a very slow pace and there are very few chapter breaks. If not for my interest in the story of the diamond, I may have given up on it entirely. Also, the ending just didn’t seem to satisfy me for the effort that I made to stick with it.
❀ UNIQUE CONCEPT
The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a novel that has a unique and engaging concept. The historical component to the story is interesting, although there are far too many characters and a slow moving plot. That being said, this book might be enjoyable for those who are interested in historical fiction.
April 23, 2020
I’m trying to figure out how to articulate into comprehensible words how much I loved this book. I’ll try my best.
The Imperfects launches into a tale of the Miller family - a broken, dysfunctional family where half the members are not speaking to each other. When their grandmother dies, leaving behind a will that states they must come together and reunite; they begrudgingly abide by her wishes. When looking through the paperwork, dividing up assets, and determining who gets what, the family discovers a heirloom they never knew their grandmother had. She wasn’t a woman known for keeping valuable things and this piece was more than just valuable - it harbored many secrets.
Amy Meyerson writes this book from the perspectives of the Miller siblings (Beck, Ashley, and Jake) as well as the perspective of their mother, Deborah. It also details parts of their grandmother, Helen’s life and details of their great-grandmother, Flora’s life.
If you like contemporary fiction and historical fiction this book is perfect for you! This book presses these genres together so beautifully that I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages. While the Miller family tries to learn the origin of their grandmother’s story, the origin of this valuable piece, you will uncover all kinds of intriguing data from WWI & WWII. The fall of an empire, the loss of family jewels, the devastation of the holocaust - it all unwinds into a glorious story that I can’t keep from gushing over.
I highly recommend this one!
TW: Loss of a Loved One, Mentions of WWI & WWII.
*I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
The Imperfects launches into a tale of the Miller family - a broken, dysfunctional family where half the members are not speaking to each other. When their grandmother dies, leaving behind a will that states they must come together and reunite; they begrudgingly abide by her wishes. When looking through the paperwork, dividing up assets, and determining who gets what, the family discovers a heirloom they never knew their grandmother had. She wasn’t a woman known for keeping valuable things and this piece was more than just valuable - it harbored many secrets.
Amy Meyerson writes this book from the perspectives of the Miller siblings (Beck, Ashley, and Jake) as well as the perspective of their mother, Deborah. It also details parts of their grandmother, Helen’s life and details of their great-grandmother, Flora’s life.
If you like contemporary fiction and historical fiction this book is perfect for you! This book presses these genres together so beautifully that I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages. While the Miller family tries to learn the origin of their grandmother’s story, the origin of this valuable piece, you will uncover all kinds of intriguing data from WWI & WWII. The fall of an empire, the loss of family jewels, the devastation of the holocaust - it all unwinds into a glorious story that I can’t keep from gushing over.
I highly recommend this one!
TW: Loss of a Loved One, Mentions of WWI & WWII.
*I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
September 18, 2020
The ending sucked.
Spoilers:
I can see where the author was going with this (the family solving their problems without the diamond money bla bla how noble) but after all that -jeez, and that bastard getting away with stealing the diamonds and then sending packets of flower seeds every month. I want to punch him.
Spoilers:
I can see where the author was going with this (the family solving their problems without the diamond money bla bla how noble) but after all that -jeez, and that bastard getting away with stealing the diamonds and then sending packets of flower seeds every month. I want to punch him.
September 30, 2020
Did not finish. So boring. I wish it had been more about Helen’s story instead of about her annoying daughter and grandchildren.
May 22, 2020
What family is perfect? Certainly not the Millers - Beck, Ashley and Jake who have been estranged for years. When their Grandmother Helen dies and the trio get together for the funeral, they are forced to confront the issues that have caused them to part. They also find the inheritance of a large yellow diamond which has been hidden away for decades - a gem that has been missing from the Austrian empire for a hundred years. Will the three finally make amends as they try to unravel the mystery of how their Grandmother came to have the diamond?
The book explores the current lives of each of the three siblings, and their complex current relationships with others. The book not only characterizes the sometimes difficult relationships between siblings, but illustrates the desire to come together under a common past. The trio were further bonded by their quest to learn, and later their knowledge of, the experiences of Helen as a girl and young woman. Knowledge that would be used to defend her reputation.
It should be noted that this book was inspired by the real Florentine Diamond - a 137 carat yellow diamond which to this day is still missing. I found the historical references in the book to be quite interesting.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title which I borrowed from my local library. The narrator was Cassandra Campbell who gave a solid performance. I recommend this book to those who enjoy general fiction or historical fiction.
The book explores the current lives of each of the three siblings, and their complex current relationships with others. The book not only characterizes the sometimes difficult relationships between siblings, but illustrates the desire to come together under a common past. The trio were further bonded by their quest to learn, and later their knowledge of, the experiences of Helen as a girl and young woman. Knowledge that would be used to defend her reputation.
It should be noted that this book was inspired by the real Florentine Diamond - a 137 carat yellow diamond which to this day is still missing. I found the historical references in the book to be quite interesting.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title which I borrowed from my local library. The narrator was Cassandra Campbell who gave a solid performance. I recommend this book to those who enjoy general fiction or historical fiction.
March 3, 2024
הלן, ניצולת שואה, סבתא של אשלי, ג'ייק ובק, נפטרה, ומורישה להם ירושה מפתיעה - סיכה בצורת סחלב המשובצת אבנים יקרות ויהלומים, שאחד מהם הוא יהלום ענק ונדיר - יהלום פלורנטין, שהיה שייך למשפחת קיסרות אוסטרו-הונגריה, ועקבותיו נעלמו בתקופת מלחמת העולם הראשונה.
אשלי, ג'ייק ובק, ביחד עם אמם הבעייתית, דבורה, מנסים לגלות כיצד הגיע היהלום לידי סבתם ובכלל מה ההיסטוריה שלה - עליה אינם יודעים דבר, משום שהלן סירבה לדבר עליה. בנוסף לכך, גורמים שונים מנסים לתבוע בעלות על היהלום.
כל אחד מבני המשפחה מתמודד עם בעיות שונות - בק סולקה מבית ספר למשפטים ומאז עובדת בעבודה לא מספקת כעוזרת משפטית, אשלי מגלה שבעלה נאשם בעבירת צווארון לבן והם עלולים לאבד את הבית שלהם, וג'ייק נאבק במחסום כתיבה ועובד בסופרמרקט, אחרי שתסריט שכתב לסרט מצליח גרם לקרע בינו לבין בנות המשפחה. האח והאחיות גם מסוכסכים עם דבורה, אימם הבעייתית, שתמיד הסתבכה בצרות ואכזבה אותם. בני המשפחה מנסים לשתף פעולה ולהתגבר על הסכסוכים ביניהם, בתקווה שהיהלום יפתור את בעיותיהם.
אהבתי מאוד את ספרה הקודם של מאירסון, "חנות הספרים של האתמול", וגם הספר הזה ממש מעולה.
העלילה הייתה ממש מעניינת, והכתיבה מצוינת ומדויקת ולא מתדרדרת לקיטש. מומלץ.
אשלי, ג'ייק ובק, ביחד עם אמם הבעייתית, דבורה, מנסים לגלות כיצד הגיע היהלום לידי סבתם ובכלל מה ההיסטוריה שלה - עליה אינם יודעים דבר, משום שהלן סירבה לדבר עליה. בנוסף לכך, גורמים שונים מנסים לתבוע בעלות על היהלום.
כל אחד מבני המשפחה מתמודד עם בעיות שונות - בק סולקה מבית ספר למשפטים ומאז עובדת בעבודה לא מספקת כעוזרת משפטית, אשלי מגלה שבעלה נאשם בעבירת צווארון לבן והם עלולים לאבד את הבית שלהם, וג'ייק נאבק במחסום כתיבה ועובד בסופרמרקט, אחרי שתסריט שכתב לסרט מצליח גרם לקרע בינו לבין בנות המשפחה. האח והאחיות גם מסוכסכים עם דבורה, אימם הבעייתית, שתמיד הסתבכה בצרות ואכזבה אותם. בני המשפחה מנסים לשתף פעולה ולהתגבר על הסכסוכים ביניהם, בתקווה שהיהלום יפתור את בעיותיהם.
אהבתי מאוד את ספרה הקודם של מאירסון, "חנות הספרים של האתמול", וגם הספר הזה ממש מעולה.
העלילה הייתה ממש מעניינת, והכתיבה מצוינת ומדויקת ולא מתדרדרת לקיטש. מומלץ.
April 26, 2020
A forgettable dysfuction family story
After the death of their grandmother, estranged siblings find a treasure hidden among her belongings - a 137-carat diamond. Now they must dive into their grandmother's history to figure out if they are the rightful heirs. More than anything, The Imperfects is a tale of dysfunctional family relationships and the struggle to forgive and understand those closest to you. In all, the book was 3 stars for me. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable. I failed to empathize with any of the characters, and without that connection, I'm likely to forget I ever read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After the death of their grandmother, estranged siblings find a treasure hidden among her belongings - a 137-carat diamond. Now they must dive into their grandmother's history to figure out if they are the rightful heirs. More than anything, The Imperfects is a tale of dysfunctional family relationships and the struggle to forgive and understand those closest to you. In all, the book was 3 stars for me. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable. I failed to empathize with any of the characters, and without that connection, I'm likely to forget I ever read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 30, 2020
I've only just started reading it but I'm feeling some deja vu--as if I've read it before (but, no, apparently that was Jonathan Tropper's "This is Where I Leave You") and/or seen the movie (but, no, apparently that was "This is Where I Leave You" and/or any number of dramedies about siblings reconnecting).
The last 2/3 of book are better than the first 1/3. The characters are annoying throughout (so we'll know, for sure, that they are the titular "imperfects").
The last 2/3 of book are better than the first 1/3. The characters are annoying throughout (so we'll know, for sure, that they are the titular "imperfects").
July 7, 2020
Characters underdeveloped. The most interesting aspects were the true historical elements which weren’t given enough spotlight. Book written at an elementary level. The ending was boring and predictable. Recommend skipping this one.
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