This Is Not About Us - the messiness of a family that we can all relate to.

The story unfolds with the three Rubenstein sisters: Helen, 80, and Sylvia, 78, and the youngest, Jeanne, who is dying. As the family gathers, a seemingly trivial incident of competitiveness and jealousy over an apple cake sparks a feud between Helen and Sylvia. As the surviving sisters remain estranged, the everyday lives of the next generation of children and grandchildren continue. This includes Sylvia's son Richard, who is divorced and striving to co-parent his two daughters amicably with his ex, while also starting a new relationship as one of his daughters prepares for her Bat Mitzvah. Helen's daughter Wendy, who is married to Jill, seeks a better relationship with her sister Pam. Jeanne's sons have their own issues. The family members love one another but there's lots of tension. Isn't that what families are all about?

The appeal of Allegra Goodman's This Is Not About Us is how it captures the complexities and messiness of families in a realistic manner, while alternating to the stories of various family members. The ever-present issue of the apple cake serves as a reminder of the grudges we all hold. This is an enjoyable book that is easy to relate to. 

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Fiction.

Publication Date: February 10, 2026.

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