Big Brother

Size. The two words in the title of Lionel Shriver’s novel, Big Brother, reveal something of what’s inside. Pandora’s brother, Edison, flies in for a visit, and when she arrives at the airport to pick him up, she doesn’t recognize him. He has gained hundreds of pounds. In a way that will resonate with members of any dysfunctional family, Pandora says nothing to Edison about his weight. These ingredients of sibling relationships, obesity, and dysfunction are blended well with broader relationships including spousal, parental and offspring. Shriver writes with great skill, blending all these elements into a novel that presents modern American life with clarity and precision. You may not see a copy of this novel at your local Weight Watchers, but when you see it, be sure to buy, read and enjoy it. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase Big Brother from amazon.com.