Title: The Adults
Author: Caroline Hulse
First published August 23, 2018
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525511748 (ISBN10: 0525511741)
Rating: 3.31
Overview
Looking for a book that puts a darkly comic twist on your favorite seasonal movies? Look no further than The Adults by Caroline Hulse.
When Claire and Matt decide to spend Christmas at Happy Forest holiday park with their daughter Scarlett, and their new partners, what could go wrong? They soon find themselves gritting their teeth over Forced Fun Activities, oversharing classified secrets about their pasts, and drinking a little too much after Scarlett’s bedtime.
Before they know it, their holiday is a powder keg that ends with a tearful, frightened call to the police. With hilarious insights into the dynamics of modern families, this novel is a must-read for anyone who’s ever had a disastrous family gathering.
About the Author
Caroline Hulse is a proud Manchester resident, sharing her home with her husband and a tiny, but mighty, pooch who likes to be in charge. She has penned three captivating novels, including The Adults, Like a House on Fire, and All the Fun of the Fair.
Her literary works have been translated into an impressive fourteen languages and have even caught the attention of television producers.
Editoral Review
Caroline Hulse’s debut novel, The Adults, is a charming and funny exploration of the complexities of blended families during the holiday season. Although the novel does not quite rise to the level of Towles’ work, it is a delightful and relatable read with well-drawn characters and a realistic plot.
The story begins with four adults, Claire and Matt, who are recently divorced, and their new partners – Patrick and Alex respectively – spending Christmas at a theme park with their young daughter Scarlett. As the group navigates the park and the challenges of co-parenting, tensions and emotions run high, leading to a rollercoaster of events that will test the bonds of their relationships.
Hulse does an excellent job of highlighting the different perspectives and struggles of each character, with each one adding depth and nuance to the narrative. Readers will feel invested in their stories and root for them to find happiness, even as they make questionable choices and engage in conflicts.
The writing is strong throughout the novel, with Hulse infusing humor and heart into every scene. The pacing is quick and engaging, with each twist and turn leading to a satisfying conclusion.
The themes of love, family, and the complexities of adult relationships are handled with skill and grace, making for a thoughtful and poignant read. Although the novel is not without flaws – some of the plotlines are predictable, and the theme park setting can feel a bit forced at times – The Adults is a solid debut from an author with a bright future.
It is a perfect holiday read for fans of cozy family dramas with a humorous twist. Overall, The Adults is a delightful and relatable novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers.
It is well worth picking up for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story with well-drawn characters and a realistic plot. Hulse shows great promise as a writer, and I am excited to see what she comes up with next.
I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
