Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Audiobook Length: 12 hours
First Published: 2004
View in Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
Rachael’s Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Among the April 2024 book releases is a re-release of Ann Napolitano’s debut novel. Within Arm’s Reach follows three generations of the McLaughlins, an Irish-American family in New Jersey. Told from the points of view of six different narrators, the story hinges on how an out-of-wedlock pregnancy changes the dynamics of the Catholic family, forcing them to learn to communicate to keep the family together.
Having loved Ann Napolitano’s last two releases (Hello Beautiful and Dear Edward), it was interesting to take a look back at her debut novel. You can clearly see that Within Arm’s Reach had the bones of a good story. Yet, Napolitano as yet lacked the skill to develop it well. Within Arm’s Reach is a sprawling read with too many narrators, making it really hard to engage with any of the storylines. The plot dragged so much that I only made it halfway before admitting defeat and adding it to the DNF pile.
Publisher’s Description
No one in my mother’s family ever talks about anything that can be categorized as unpleasant or as having to do with emotions. . . .
This spellbinding novel by bestselling author Ann Napolitano is a poignant reminder of how connected we are to those we love, even when we cannot find the words to say it. The unforgettable story of three generations of an Irish American family, Within Arm’s Reach is another rich and deeply satisfying novel from the author who captured the many dimensions of grief in Dear Edward and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood in Hello Beautiful.
About Ann Napolitano
Ann Napolitano is the author of three novels: A Good Hard Look, Hello Beautiful, Within Arm’s Reach and Dear Edward. She is also the Associate Editor of the literary magazine One Story. She currently lives in Brooklyn. Visit the author’s website →
Featured In
Similar Books
