The Great Gimmelmans

Author:  Lee Matthew GoldbergGenre: Mystery, Suspense

Publisher:  Level Best Books

Date Published:  2023

Book Length: 392

Format:  E Book suppled by henryroi publications in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: Middle child Aaron Gimmelman watches as his family goes from a mild-mannered reform Jewish clan to having over a million dollars of stolen money stuffed in their RV's cabinets while being pursued by the FBI and loan sharks. But it wasn't always like that. His father Barry made a killing as a stockbroker, his mother Judith loved her collection of expensive hats, his older sister Steph was obsessed with pop stars, and little sister Jenny loved her stuffed possum, Seymour.

After losing all their money in the Crash of 1987, the family starts stealing from convenience stores, but when they hit a bank, they realize the talent they possess. The money starts rolling in and brings the family closer together, whereas back at home, no one had any time for bonding due to their busy schedules. But Barry's desire for more, more, more will take its toll on the Gimmelmans, and Aaron is forced into an impossible choice: turn against his father, or let his family fall apart.

From Jersey, down to an Orthodox Jewish community in Florida where they hide out, and up to California, The Great Gimmelmans goes on a madcap ride through the 1980s. Filled with greed and love and the meaning of religion and tradition until the walls of the RV and the feds start closing in on the family, this thrilling literary tale mixes Michael Chabon and the Coen Brothers with equal parts humour and pathos.

My Thoughts: The Great Gimmelmans by Lee Matthew Goldberg is a tale about family dynamics with mystery and suspense thrown in, and the book gets off to a great start by drawing you in with its description’s. Its raw emotion is rare, you can feel every heartfelt word spoken. There is humour, sadness, and wit in abundance. The prose flows like a great river with ease but sometimes with fierce abandonment a testament to Goldbergs writing. The book had me encapsulated from the beginning, to the very end with every word I read wondering what was coming next. as it captivates you with a unique and daring narrative that explores the boundaries of love, loyalty, and crime.

The heart of the story revolves around the enigmatic Jewish couple, whose complexities and flaws are expertly unraveled as they embark on an unexpected crime spree with their children in tow. Goldberg skillfully navigates the delicate balance between the criminal world and the challenges of maintaining a united family front.

What set "The Great Gimmelmans" apart was its ability to unsettle traditional genre expectations. The characters are not mere criminals but multifaceted individuals driven by a compelling mix of desperation and devotion. The depth of the familial relationships added a layer of complexity that kept me emotionally invested throughout.

The suspenseful plot was masterfully crafted, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author's meticulous attention to detail painted a vivid picture of the various settings, immersing me in a world where every decision carried weight and consequences. I felt for the children so much during this read.

One of the novel's strengths lay in its exploration of cultural identity within the context of the story. The portrayal of the Gimmelman family's Jewish heritage is both authentic and respectful, adding an extra layer of richness to the narrative.

Beyond the gripping storyline, the prose is eloquent and evocative. The author's ability to convey the emotional complexity of the characters and the moral dilemmas they face is truly commendable. The dialogue is sharp, reflective of the very unique personalities within the Gimmelman family and the wider family and other individuals they encounter on their journey.

One of my favourite quotes in the book was " I steel myself as he and I travel on the way-back machine to hell, keying in the co-ordinates to our final destination".

In conclusion, "The Great Gimmelmans" is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking, genre-defying experience. It's a testament to Lee Matthew Goldbergs storytelling prowess, leaving you with lingering thoughts about the blurred lines between right and wrong, the resilience of family bonds, and the unpredictable nature of life's twists and turns. This book is a literary gem that deserves every bit of its five-star rating.