The Latecomer

Super Short Summary

The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz follows the Oppenheimers, a New York Jewish family, over 25 years as they experience separation and reconciliation. The story begins with Salo Oppenheimer meeting Johanna at his girlfriend Mandy’s funeral, where Salo was the driver in the fatal accident. Despite knowing he doesn't love Johanna, Salo marries her, and they have triplets, later adding a fourth child, Phoebe, through a surrogate. As the triplets grow up and lead independent lives, family tensions and secrets, including Salo's affair and unresolved grief, surface, impacting their relationships. Phoebe, determined to understand her family's fractured state, visits each sibling to uncover the past and bring the family together, culminating in a wedding that signifies reconciliation. Topics including terrorism, loss of a loved one, and relationship complexities are present in the narrative.