What do you think?
Rate this book
The Great Goldbergs
When Sean McFall encounters golden-haired David Goldberg and his larger-than-life father, Saul, he is dazzled by the family’s riches, power, and ease in social situations. The bright lives of the Goldbergs are profoundly different from those of Sean’s working-class parents. But as Sean grows up and is pulled closer to the centre of the Goldberg family by the gravitational force of their wealth and position, he discovers a tyrannical and abusive patriarch, an estranged relative bent on revenge, and dark family secrets. As he struggles to reconcile his first impressions with the realities he later confronts, Sean must determine who he is, what he will stand for, and whether he can resist the attraction that has dominated his life. Rich in understanding of the relationships between parents and children, the loyalty we show our friends, and how a family’s past haunts its present, The Great Goldbergs is about the compromises we make in pursuit of wealth and acceptance, and for love.
464 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2023
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Goodwin
3 books2 followersDaniel Goodwin is an award-winning Canadian novelist and poet.
His most recent novel is The Great Goldbergs, a story about class, power, character, and growing up.
He is the author of the previous novels Sons and Fathers and The Art of Being Lewis, and the poetry collection Catullus's Soldiers, which won the 2016 Vine Award for Poetry.
He lives in Ottawa with his wife and children.
His most recent novel is The Great Goldbergs, a story about class, power, character, and growing up.
He is the author of the previous novels Sons and Fathers and The Art of Being Lewis, and the poetry collection Catullus's Soldiers, which won the 2016 Vine Award for Poetry.
He lives in Ottawa with his wife and children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 28, 2024
PERSONAL
BROUGHT ME BACK TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND SCHOOLS, GREW UP ONE BLOCK AWAY FROM LCC, UNIVERSITY AND SPECIAL PLACES IN MONTREAL. THE REASON I DECIDED TO READ IT WHEN I FIRST LEARNED ABOUT IT FROM A MCGILL COMMUNICATION. THANKS FOR WRITING IT.
BROUGHT ME BACK TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND SCHOOLS, GREW UP ONE BLOCK AWAY FROM LCC, UNIVERSITY AND SPECIAL PLACES IN MONTREAL. THE REASON I DECIDED TO READ IT WHEN I FIRST LEARNED ABOUT IT FROM A MCGILL COMMUNICATION. THANKS FOR WRITING IT.
December 21, 2024
This family saga, told from the viewpoint of a closely connected observer, is a monumental achievement. Early in life, the brilliant son of a working-class couple falls in with the scion of a rich and powerful family. He is welcomed to their inner circle and witnesses their fascinating saga.
I loved the narrator’s wide-angle view of events, especially the unexpected vulnerability of this family to thieves, and also their belief in noblesse oblige.
Ultimately, the narrator learns the kernel of deception that underlies the family fortune. As the company undergoes a tectonic shift, he must decide how to spend the final years of his career.
Having worked in finance, I found this a credible mix of business and story, of instinct and logic, of noble and mundane. A highly readable epic!
I loved the narrator’s wide-angle view of events, especially the unexpected vulnerability of this family to thieves, and also their belief in noblesse oblige.
Ultimately, the narrator learns the kernel of deception that underlies the family fortune. As the company undergoes a tectonic shift, he must decide how to spend the final years of his career.
Having worked in finance, I found this a credible mix of business and story, of instinct and logic, of noble and mundane. A highly readable epic!
April 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. As the author is one of my best friends, I could recognize the development of some of the narrative. I also feel I know elements of the characters from others I know.
June 21, 2024
Truly engaging book to read. The characters feel real, and story keeps you guessing.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews