The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a contemporary novel with an interesting historical element. The mysterious Florentine Diamond and how it came into the family’s possession makes the book intriguing to read. However, the intrigue becomes lost due to the large number of characters and slow moving plot.
Title: The ImperfectsAuthor: Amy Meyerson
Publisher: Park Row
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Historical Fiction
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Rating:
The Millers are far from perfect. Estranged siblings Beck, Ashley and Jake find themselves under one roof for the first time in years, forced to confront old resentments and betrayals, when their mysterious, eccentric matriarch, Helen, passes away. But their lives are about to change when they find a secret inheritance hidden among her possessions—the Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat yellow gemstone that went missing from the Austrian Empire a century ago.
Desperate to learn how one of the world’s most elusive diamonds ended up in Helen’s bedroom, they begin investigating her past only to realize how little they know about their brave, resilient grandmother. As the Millers race to determine whether they are the rightful heirs to the diamond and the fortune it promises, they uncover a past more tragic and powerful than they ever could have imagined, forever changing their connection to their heritage and each other.
Inspired by the true story of the real, still-missing Florentine Diamond, The Imperfects illuminates the sacrifices we make for family and how sometimes discovering the truth of the past is the only way to better the future.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson
The concept of The Imperfects is really unique and I was immediately drawn in to learn more about the Florentine Diamond and how it came into Helen’s possession. The details about the diamond and its history give the story some compelling moments. It is enjoyable to read about the author’s ideas of what might have become of this infamous diamond after its disappearance in 1918.
❀ Quite a Few Characters
As there are quite a few main characters and side characters in the book, it takes a bit of time and energy to keep track of them all. This really affected my enjoyment of the novel because it took a lot of effort to remember who is who. There isn’t one character that really stands out as a favourite, but there are a couple that are more likeable than others. Helen is definitely the most intriguing of the family members, as she has such an mysterious history.
❀ Slow-Paced
This book moves at a very slow pace and there are very few chapter breaks. If not for my interest in the story of the diamond, I may have given up on it entirely. Also, the ending just didn’t seem to satisfy me for the effort that I made to stick with it.
❀ Unique Concept
The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson is a novel that has a unique and engaging concept. The historical component to the story is interesting, although there are far too many characters and a slow moving plot. That being said, this book might be enjoyable for those who are interested in historical fiction.
About Amy Meyerson
Amy Meyerson is the bestselling author of "The Bookshop of Yesterdays," which will be translated into 11 languages. She has been published in numerous literary magazines and teaches in the writing department at the University of Southern California, where she completed her graduate work in creative writing. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives in Los Angeles. Her new novel, The Imperfects, will be published in May 2020.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
This sounds so enticing! It’s definitely a premise that I haven’t heard before, and I LOVE IT. Thank you for sharing this!
Geraldine @ Corralling Books recently posted…Book Tag: Animal Crossing New Horizons
The history and story of the diamond sounds interesting to me. If it is super slow paced though I am not sure if I would stick to the end with it.
I can totally understand why having so many main and side character could be confusing and deter you somehow. A slow pace make it difficult for me to enjoy a book too!
This sounds so awesome! If it is really slow paced though, it might not hold my attention.
I was so intrigued by this book until I read the review. I might still try it although the slow pace worries me. The true story angle is what interested me. Thanks for your honest thoughts.
I applaud you for continuing on. I don’t know that I would have been able to. Slow pace really kills books for me. Great review!
It’s hard to be engaged in a book when it’s slow pace. I also am not a fan of too many characters in a book. The same goes for movies. It’s just hard to keep track of whose who and it’s hard to feel an emotional attachment to the characters when there’s so many of them.
It does have an intriguing plot. Sorry it wasn’t a great read for you.
Laura Thomas recently posted…Books From The Back Log #38 ~ Cryptid Country
too bad about the ending
How disappointing! It sounds like it had so much potential.
This does sound like a really interesting premise – too bad it gets bogged down in the details!
I hate when books turn out to be disappointing! Sorry you didn’t love it. :/
Christine @ Captivated Reading recently posted…May 2020 To-Be-Read List
Interesting theme.. but too bad it didn’t turn out as you’d like it.
The Imperfects sounds like a intriguing read, thanks for sharing your review and have a spectacular day!