All  We Ever Wanted, by Emily Giffin, left an odd, unsettled feeling with me. I was ready to like this book, a lot. I had not read anything by this author before, but she comes so highly regarded. Emily Giffin writes a good story in All We Ever Wanted, with a rhythm and flow that makes for a quick, effortless read. The plot and the topic are immediately engaging, so I was disconcerted by my feelings as I worked toward the climax of the book.

Instead, of feeling satisfied, All We Ever Wanted left me with a vague sense of unease and frustration.  Frankly, the author misses many opportunities to provide depth of character and shine a light on the troubling and potentially lasting impact of the central event of the story. Instead, we skim over the entire event and aftermath without ever really knowing the characters or understanding their motivation and actions.  The aggressor does what does he because he can. He’s entitled. The victim reacts the way she does because she really wants to be liked. The story unfolds from the perspective of several characters, and the real or perceived impact of one particularly offensive night of high school interactions. Lyla and Finch are the high schoolers. Nina, Finch’s mother and Tom, Lyla’s father, are the parents who deal with the fall out of the actions of these young adults. 

 

Lyla

Lyla is an attractive young Anglo/Hispanic high schooler. Her mother makes occasional appearances, talks infrequently with Lyla, but is not a parenting influence. Tom is parenting for two. Lyla is smart; bright enough to get a scholarship to a tony private academy with an astronomical tuition. There she exists primarily as an outsider or novelty to the wealthy, privileged students she encounters. One particular boy has her eye, and she thinks she might have a chance with him. Hence the act of  sneaking out to meet him at a party.

 

Finch

Finch is the ultra wealthy son of Nashville’s elite, with the car, the polished good looks,  the educational advantages and the attitude to back it up. The night of the party a photo is sent from Finch’s phone which sets off a firestorm.  Finch’s parents are receiving yet another award for the obligatory charitable good works check writing, when the scandal erupts.  Finch bats his eyes and “feels bad,” but ultimately does not take responsibility.

 

Nina

Nina is a small town, middle class mom who’s done a good job of forgetting her common folk roots as she maintains her lifestyle as the wife of a wealthy scion. Her major accomplishments over two decades of marriage and parenting are staying thin and decorating her home beautifully. She loves Finch, but from the outset of the book seems to maintain an air of ambivalence about most facets of her life.  The shocking incident  between Lyla and Finch triggers Nina’s tepid emotional awakening.

 

Tom

Tom is the character who displays some amount of depth and more humanity than the others. He’s raising Lyla on his own, and his frustration and uncertainty are evident. In keeping with the stereotypical portrayal of the main characters, Tom works with his hands as a carpenter, very much the common man to Nina’s wealthy lady of privilege. Tom guides Lyla through the aftermath of the traumatic event as best he can. 

 

 

Opinion

Lyla and Finch’s lives intersect painfully in one evening of drunken interaction involving a cell phone. One would expect lasting consequences for both, but the entire aftermath seems contrived and almost unbelievable. Why would the victim in this case want to go out with the perpetrator the next weekend? Why would the parents of both think this is a good idea? Who’s telling the truth, who’s lying and who will suffer any consequences?  The author weaves important themes into the storyline, including date rape, digital exploitation, racism, virginity, suicide and feelings of belonging. However, the overall impression is one of ambiguity and equivocation. The story line is extremely relevant to today’s cultural conditions, but there are very few teachable moments. 

The lack of concern and emotion displayed by the teens, both victim and aggressor, is distressing. If I as the reader is more troubled by the incident and aftermath than the characters, it appears the writer missed her mark. With that being said, the story someone manages to have a “happy ending.” The adults become friends, and the teens appear to shrug off the incident and any lasting consequences or effects, and all go on with their lives. I just couldn’t buy it.

In conclusion, I will read another Emily Giffin book to see if All We Ever Wanted is an anomaly. I am hopeful! Any recommendations for the next Emily Giffin?

Many thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest, unbiased review.