The real Mrs. Tobias A novel

Four generations of the Tobias family take center stage in the latest from Koslow (Another Side of Paradise, 2018). Social worker Melanie Glazer is used to running interference between her imposing mother-in-law, Veronika, and the rest of the family, which seems to be growing more dysfunctional every day. Mel's father-in-law is showing early signs of dementia; her daughter has decided to have a baby with her flighty girlfriend; and her son Micah's marriage is on the rocks, thanks to a drunk-driving accident. When Micah's wife flees to her Iowa hometown with their daughter, Mel worries that this could be the end of her close relationship with her preschool-age granddaughter. The point of view alternates with each chapter, but only Mel's chapters are written in first person, giving the reader a sense of camaraderie with Mel as she navigates her complicated family. Koslow shapes all of these moving parts into a compelling family drama, rich in insight and detail and honest in its depiction of women's roles as family caregivers. Fans of Ann Patchett and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney will feel right at home with the Tobias family.

In this engaging outing, Koslow (Another Side of Paradise) explores the complex dynamics roiling a Jewish family as it faces an ethical dilemma. The Tobias family has gathered for weekly Shabbat led by matriarch, Veronika, an intimidating psychiatrist; her daughter-in-law, Mel Glazer, a psychotherapist with a thriving business; Mel's freewheeling son, Micah, who operates a food truck serving mashed potatoes; and Micah's wife, Birdie Peterson, a Lutheran who left Iowa and a writing career to live with Micah in New York City. At the dinner, Micah relates his latest escapade: after a night drinking, he absentmindedly hit "something" on the road with his truck but failed to report the accident. Later, Mel's client Norah discloses that her assistant was gravely injured in a hit-and-run by a food truck. As Mel realizes it was Micah's doing, she probes Norah in later sessions for details on the investigation. Meanwhile, Birdie abandons Micah and takes their three-year-old daughter back to her family's farm, refusing to return until he turns himself in. Koslow puts a tidy bow on the ending, which more than strains credulity, but she brings depth to her portrayal of a meddling mother and mother-in-law while exploring how family ties can both constrict and protect. Readers who love layered family dramas should take a look. Agent: Sarah Fuentes, Fletcher & Co. (Sept.)