This is a book to slow down and relish. Which I did, and as I slowed down I enjoyed it even more.
The main character, Gene, a recent widower explores his life from a different perspective after the unexpected death of his wife of 49 years. The author uses lyrical phrase to help describe the ideas of happiness, grief and reflection in the characters. Most of the story is told through Gene or Gene’s preconceived ideas of others. Although he can appear clueless at times Gene has heartfelt memories and experiences. Gene uses his honesty as he grieves to question and examine his happiness and the struggle for happiness of the people close to him.
Using the one connection of the death of Maida, the author allows us to look at people at various points in their lives, as well as through different life choices and perspectives, giving us insight into reflections of the varying definitions of happiness.
This book will be available on June 19, 2018.
SUMMARY
After the sudden death of his wife, Maida, Gene is haunted by the fear that their marriage was not all it appeared to be. Alongside Ed and Gayle Donnelly, friends since college days, he tries to resurrect happy memories of the times the two couples shared, raising their children in a small New Hampshire town and vacationing together at a lake house every summer. Meanwhile, his daughter, Dary, challenges not only his happy version of the past but also his view of Maida. As a long-standing rift between them deepens, Gene starts to understand how unknown his daughter is to him–and how enigmatic his wife was as well. And a lingering suspicion seizes his mind that could upend everything he thought he knew.
Katharine Dion’s assured debut moves seamlessly between Gene’s present-day journey and the long history of a marriage and friendship. Rich and wonderfully alive, The Dependents is the most moving kind of drama, an intimate glance into the expanse of family life and the way we must all eventually bridge the chasm between what we want to believe and what we know to be true.
Jennie Reads 
On my list thanks to your review!
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