The adult Plumb siblings - Leo, Jack, Beatrice, and Melody - are happily expecting to share the trust fund left by their deceased father, which they call 'The Nest.' The Nest is due to be dispersed when Melody, the youngest, turns forty.
Dad meant the fund to be 'a little something extra' for his children, but it's ballooned into the millions, and the heirs - who reside in and around New York City - have spent recklessly and/or made plans in anticipation of the bonanza.
Shortly before Melody's fortieth birthday however, Leo throws a spanner into the works. He foolishly seduces a 19-year-old waitress named Matilda Rodriguez, and takes her for a drive. The resulting wreck causes Matilda to lose a foot and Leo to lose his marriage.
The subsequent settlements are enormous, and the Plumb siblings' mother Francie - who abhors a scandal - lets Leo use the trust fund to pay off Matilda and his wife.
As the story continues, Jack, Beatrice, and Melody - all of whom are appalled by Leo's actions - meet their brother at Grand Central Oyster Bar to discuss reimbursement.
Leo, who previously founded and sold a magazine called SpeakEasy, promises to look for a new opportunity.....so he can pay his siblings back. The would-be inheritors are skeptical, but have no choice but to hope for the best.
From here we follow each of the Plumb siblings, observing their current situation and how they got here.
*****
Leo Plumb is a self-indulgent former editor who uses drugs and burned bridges with most of his colleagues - whom he now needs to re-establish his career.
Knowing he's expected to pay back his brother and sisters, Leo sneakily tries to inveigle himself into a good opportunity.
Leo is a weasel, always willing to screw someone for his own advantage.
*****
Jack Plumb is a middling antiques dealer.....
….who recently married his long-time boyfriend Walker, a successful attorney.
Anticipating a windfall from The Nest, Jack took out a mortgage on his and Walker's vacation home, which is now in danger of foreclosure.....and Walker knows nothing about it. Jack is desperate for money, and - when he sees the opportunity - tries to sweet-talk himself into a shady deal. Jack is more foolhardy than rotten, and can't seem to foresee the consequences of his actions.
****
Beatrice Plumb is a writer who works for an online magazine. She's previously had success with short stories, but stumbled when she tried to produce her great novel.
Forced to return her publisher's hefty book advance, Beatrice had to use most of her savings, and was counting on The Nest for a comfortable future. Beatrice is the most rational and clear-headed of the Plumb siblings, willing to go out of her way for her family.
****
Melody Plumb is a happily married housewife with twin teenage daughters, Nora and Louisa, who she dotes on.
Melody has scrimped and struggled to give her daughters nice things, and was planning to use The Nest to send them to expensive colleges.
Now Melody can barely afford the twins' costly SAT prep course, which they secretly ditch to hang out in Manhattan.
Melody is a helicopter mom with high hopes, who's probably recognizable to many parents.
****
As the story unfolds we also get to know some of the important secondary characters, including: Matilda Rodriguez - now a hobbled amputee in a family of illegal immigrants; Stephanie - Leo's old girlfriend, who's still willing to take him in; Nathan - Leo's former partner, whom he shafted; Paul - Beatrice's boss, who owns a literary magazine; and others.
The story is warm, humorous, and insightful, and provides a compelling picture of siblings who've endured a 'tragedy' and are struggling to cope. Along the way, they learn the value of family and friendship. This is an enjoyable literary novel, recommended to fans of the genre.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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