TL;DR
'The Nest' by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney is a warm and perceptive novel that explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family whose lives are upended by a dwindling trust fund.
What is The Nest about
'The Nest' tells the story of four siblings—Leo, Melody, Jack, and Beatrice Plumb—who must confront their individual and collective issues when their shared inheritance, 'The Nest,' is jeopardized by Leo's reckless behavior. Set in New York City, the novel delves into their struggles with financial instability, personal failures, and strained relationships. Sweeney’s debut novel explores the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of money on relationships, and how people cope with unmet expectations and failures.
The Nest 5 Key Takeaways
Accident and Rehabilitation
Leo Plumb, the oldest sibling, causes a car accident while inebriated, endangering 'The Nest,' a family trust fund. This triggers his entry into rehab and sets off the main conflict.
Financial Struggles
Each sibling faces financial difficulties that make 'The Nest' crucial: Melody has a hefty mortgage, Jack has debts from his antique business, and Bea struggles with her stalled writing career.
Family Confrontation
The siblings gather to confront Leo about the accident and their endangered inheritance, leading to revelations about their dependencies and life choices.
Reevaluating Lives
As they grapple with their financial and emotional turmoil, the siblings must reevaluate their lives and relationships, uncovering old resentments and truths.
Resolution and Growth
The family begins to find new paths: Jack learns to be a father, Bea resumes her writing, and the siblings reconnect through shared struggles, symbolized by Stephanie's baby, who unites the family.
Top The Nest Quotes
- 'Every family has its problems. But even among the most troubled, the Plumb family stands out as spectacularly dysfunctional.'
- 'Money is the most corrosive aspect of life today because it means that all attention to detail is forgotten.'
Who should read The Nest?
Fans of contemporary fiction with a focus on family dynamics and character-driven narratives will find 'The Nest' a compelling read. The novel offers valuable insights into the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of financial dependence.
The Nest Best Reviews
- 'A warm, funny, and acutely perceptive debut novel about four adult siblings and the fate of the shared inheritance that has shaped their choices and their lives.' - The New York Times
- 'Sweeney writes with authority about the ways the Plumb siblings—and their various partners—have relied on 'The Nest' to rescue them from their own mistakes.' - The Guardian
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The Nest FAQs
What is the theme of the book 'The Nest'?
A major theme is the unhealthy obsession with perfection and how it affects people's worthiness of love and life.
Was 'The Nest' made into a movie?
While 'The Nest' shares its title with a 2020 film, the movie is not an adaptation of the book.
How does 'The Nest' book end?
The Plumb family finds unity and growth through Stephanie's baby, which helps them reconnect and find new paths in life.