Jean Hanff Korelitz's The Latecomer is praised for its intricate plot and well-developed characters. Critics appreciate the blend of wit and emotional depth, though some find the pacing uneven. The novel's exploration of family dynamics and personal growth is compelling, but a few reviewers mention that it drags in certain sections. Overall, a thought-provoking read.

Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and family sagas, particularly fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere, will find The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz compelling. The novel’s intricate exploration of complex family dynamics and personal secrets will captivate those who appreciate deep, nuanced storytelling in contemporary fiction.

The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz follows the Oppenheimers, a New York Jewish family, over 25 years as they experience separation and reconciliation. The story begins with Salo Oppenheimer meeting Johanna at his girlfriend Mandy’s funeral, where Salo was the driver in the fatal accident. Despite knowing he doesn't love Johanna, Salo marries her, and they have triplets, later adding a fourth child, Phoebe, through a surrogate. As the triplets grow up and lead independent lives, family tensions and secrets, including Salo's affair and unresolved grief, surface, impacting their relationships. Phoebe, determined to understand her family's fractured state, visits each sibling to uncover the past and bring the family together, culminating in a wedding that signifies reconciliation. Topics including terrorism, loss of a loved one, and relationship complexities are present in the narrative.

Contemplative / Emotional / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Melancholic

- The Latecomer is written by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the same author who wrote The Plot, which has been adapted into a Hulu miniseries starring Mahershala Ali. 
- Jean Hanff Korelitz drew inspiration from her own experiences in a large family and her background in English literature when crafting the intricate family dynamics in The Latecomer.

Jean Hanff Korelitz

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Latecomer and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Latecomer Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Latecomer Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Parents, 1972-2001”

Foreword-Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Latecomer Foreword-Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

The Latecomer Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Triplets, 2000-2001”

Part 2, Chapters 9-16

The Latecomer Part 2, Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 17-25

The Latecomer Part 2, Chapters 17-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Latecomer, 2017”

Part 3, Chapters 26-30

The Latecomer Part 3, Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 31-36

The Latecomer Part 3, Chapters 31-36 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Latecomer Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Latecomer Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Latecomer Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Latecomer Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Latecomer Essay Topics

The Latecomer

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Latecomer?

Reading Age

Book Details