First published in Norway in 2019, the novella Grown Ups is finally making its way to the States. Most similar to Elena Ferrante, Marie Aubert pulls no punches in her depiction of family dysfunction. In Grown Ups case, the relationship of focus is two sisters with classic older younger sibling dynamics.

The older of the two, Ida, who we see in third person narration is a just turned forty, single, successful architect with anxiety over if, when and how to have a family. Her younger sister Matilde, is the more dependent sister, with a dutiful husband, step-daughter and child on the way. The sisters have deep resentment, yet do their minimum to keep the peace. At odds personality-wise to start, the new tension between them is a lake cottage of which Matilde and her husband would like to buy Ida’s share.
Candid scenes of intimacy, jealousy, and vengeance give this book copious amounts of spice. The visit from their Mother and step-dad only magnifies their past grievances. And while I found many of Ida’s thoughts relatable in that younger siblings are more coddled, I also relished disagreeing with some of Ida’s more intrusive actions. You know a book is great when you can argue with some of the characters’ actions, but yet still thoroughly enjoy the ride.

Grown Ups by Marie Aubert is available for pre-order at sarasotabooks.com or in store beginning May 24th at BookStore1 Sarasota 117 S. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL. 34236. Publication Date: 6/21/22 ISBN 9781782277088