Alright folks, grab a comfy chair and maybe an apple or two, because I’m reviewing Apples Never Fall. This book is a whirlwind of family drama, mystery, and enough plot twists to make your head spin. Stay with me, coz’ I’ve got all the pros, cons, and laughs covered!

In a nutshell

Let’s chat about ‘Apples Never Fall’ by Liane Moriarty! It’s a gripping mix of mystery and drama wrapped up in a family saga. Think your classic Sunday dinner with a surprise side of intrigue.

The story follows the Delaney family, whose tight-knit world starts to unravel when their matriarch, Joy, goes missing. The book dives into themes of family loyalty, secrets, and how past choices come back to bite you.

Moriarty’s skill in weaving together complex characters and their tangled relationships shines through, making this a page-turner that keeps you guessing. You’ll be wondering if you are reading your neighbor’s diary – if your neighbors were this dramatic, that is!

Family Dynamics and Relationships in Apples Never Fall

If you have ever been tempted to throw an apple at a family member, then Apples Never Fall might just be your next read. The book is like a family dinner gone haywire, with each bite getting juicier and more complicated. It centers around the Delaney family, who seem perfect on the outside but are a tangled mess on the inside. Think of it as peeling an onion but with less crying and more ‘aha’ moments.

Joy and Stan Delaney, the parents, ran a celebrated tennis school. But instead of love matches, their kids end up in mixed doubles of emotions. Ever tried teaching your siblings to play Monopoly only to end up in a fight? That’s how these family dynamics feel. The relationships between Joy, Stan, and their four adult children are both endearing and infuriatingly real. It’s like each character has their own tennis racket and serves their bag of issues right at you.

One of the great things about this book is how it explores the contradictions in family relationships. Just when you think they can’t stand each other, a moment of unexpected tenderness or a shared laugh pops up, reminding you that family, no matter how flawed, is still family. It’s these moments that make you root for them, even when they’re at their worst.

But, let’s not sugarcoat it. The family drama can sometimes feel a bit too much. Like that time when Aunt Karen shared one too many embarrassing stories at Thanksgiving. Some parts drag on, making you wonder if they could have trimmed a few apples off the tree.

Next section: Mystery and plot twists. Get ready for some jaw-dropping moments!

Unexpected Twists and Turns in Apples Never Fall

I remember the first time I read Apples Never Fall. I was lounging in my favorite armchair, thinking I had the plot all figured out. Boy, was I wrong! Keep your thinking cap on because the mystery is one wild ride.

The book’s author, Liane Moriarty, has a knack for pulling the rug from under your feet. Just when you think you’ve got the whodunit figured out, BAM! Another twist that leaves you scratching your head. It’s like playing a game of Clue, but with more emotional stakes. I had to stop myself from flipping to the last page just to see how it all ends.

One moment that stuck with me involved a missing character who is crucial to the plot. Without giving too much away, let’s just say that nothing is what it seems. Every clue points in a different direction, making the guessing game both fun and frustrating. It’s like Moriarty’s playing chess while we’re all stuck on checkers.

Not everything is smooth sailing, though. Some plot twists felt a bit too convenient, like those TV dramas where the villain reveals their plan for no good reason. But, hey, at least it keeps you on your toes! Imagine binge-watching your favorite show and finding out the killer is someone you never suspected. That’s the vibe here.

If you’re a fan of mysteries that keep you guessing, Apples Never Fall should be on your reading list. Now, let’s delve into the next juicy bit: Character development.

Character Development in ‘Apples Never Fall’

Ever felt like you know someone better than they know themselves? That’s the vibe you get from reading Apples Never Fall. Author Liane Moriarty crafts her characters so well, you’d think you’ve just spent the last few decades living next door to the Delaneys.

Take Joy Delaney, for instance. At first, she seems like the typical suburban mom who’s got it all together. But as the story unfolds, you realize she’s a lot more layered than a seven-layer dip at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Her passion for tennis and her love for her family are deeply rooted, but so are her regrets and past decisions that echo through the book.

Then there’s Stan, Joy’s husband. This guy is like an onion. Every chapter peels back another layer, and sometimes, it makes you cry (or laugh because, come on, life with Stan isn’t short of humor). He’s tough but tender in ways you wouldn’t expect.

The Delaney kids—Brooke, Logan, Troy, and Amy—each have their own unique arcs. Brooke’s journey through physical ailment, Logan’s quest for career satisfaction, Troy’s undeniable charm and his issues, and Amy’s battle with her mental health. Their growth mirrors real-life struggles, making them relatable and authentic.

Moriarty doesn’t just sprinkle development on her characters like a chef adding salt. She lets them stew in their own juices, making their evolution satisfying and believable. Unlike some novels where characters are flatter than a pancake, here, they’re as dynamic as a three-dimensional chess game (which I still can’t play, by the way).

Next up, let’s chat about the writing style and pacing that makes ‘Apples Never Fall’ a page-turner.

Writing Style and Pacing in ‘Apples Never Fall’

Oh boy, let me tell you about the writing style in ‘Apples Never Fall’ by Liane Moriarty. It’s like a rollercoaster, but with more tea and less screaming. Seriously, Moriarty has this knack for making you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a really juicy family drama. Her prose is clear, engaging, and—most importantly—not too flowery. She keeps it simple, and that really helps in a book filled with emotional landmines.

The pacing? It’s like a Sunday drive with a grandma who suddenly decides to race! The story flows smoothly for the most part, but then it hits you with these shocking moments. One minute you’re learning about the Delaney family’s past, the next minute—BAM!—someone’s missing, and you’re on the edge of your seat. I swear, I almost dropped my sandwich a couple of times.

Moriarty does a fantastic job of balancing multiple timelines without turning your brain into mush. You jump back and forth between the present-day investigation and the family’s past, and somehow, it all makes sense. But, and there is always a but, a few spots did feel a tad dragged out. Just a smidge. Like having too much frosting on a cake—still good, but maybe a bit too much.

If you’re into a mix of family drama and mystery, wrapped in witty and realistic dialogue, this book is a treat. Just pack some patience for those slower bits. Would I recommend it? Heck yes. It’s like binge-watching a really good series, but without the annoying cliffhangers every episode. Go grab your copy and enjoy the ride!

Conclusion

So, we’ve reached the end of our ‘Apples Never Fall’ adventure. Liane Moriarty crafts a tale full of family drama, mystery, and some wacky moments. The Delaney family feels like my own neighbors—if my neighbors had way more secrets and plot twists. The pacing is like a thrilling Sunday drive; sometimes it drags a bit, but you’re engaged. If you’re into dynamic characters and don’t mind the occasional overly convenient twist, give this book a go! But if you prefer everything tied up neatly without the drama, you might want to think twice.