The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg is a poignant family drama about the dissolution of a long marriage and the complexities of love, health, and self-destruction. The story centers on Edie, a woman addicted to food despite her life-threatening diabetes, and her husband, Richard, who abandons her just before a crucial surgery. Their two children, Robin and Benny, navigate the fallout of their parents' divorce, each struggling with their own issues. As Edie's health declines, her family attempts to intervene, leading to a mix of tension, guilt, and attempts at healing. The novel ultimately explores the difficult balance between personal responsibility and familial duty.
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