Seating Arrangements was one of those books I saw on a list of “must reads.” The description mentioned a wedding, a beach setting, a few families getting together, New England seaside living, and summer vacation. What’s not to love?!

And then I read the book. The description above is technically correct. However, the mood of this novel is dreary, dingy, grimy, contemptible, and depressing. No one is happy. I’ve never read such gloomy characters in a plot that I expected to be so lovely and delightful.

Maggie Shipstead writes beautifully – both technically and emotionally. And the plot at face value – families get together at the beach house to celebrate a wedding – is one that would normally interest me. But the crass and sad approach to it bogged me down. Each character fails at managing what life threw at them. Each character fails to live up to his own standards. Each character has more flaws than redeeming qualities. The story ends up being a description of this family’s debacles.

I enjoy light and upbeat books – or ones that at least have some ups and downs. Seating Arrangements just brought me down.

5 stars for writing ability, literary accomplishment (great symbolism and allusions), and character development.

1 star for enjoyability and plot presentation.

-Calliope

For literary fiction fans who don’t mind their novels on the depressing side, you’ll appreciate the writing!
Buy It Now Seating Arrangements

For fans of jovial, lighthearted stories of beaches and friends and weddings, try this August release instead!
Buy It Now Plus One is a Lucky Number: HarperImpulse RomCom