Liane Moriarty, known for her intricate tales of family drama and suspense, strikes again with Apples Never Fall. Released in 2021, this novel is a deep dive into the secrets, conflicts, and bonds within a seemingly ordinary family. In this work, Moriarty combines her signature storytelling style with an exploration of love, loyalty, and the challenges that surface in relationships over time.
With her sharp eye for detail, Moriarty crafts a suspenseful yet heartfelt narrative that keeps readers invested from start to finish. Let’s delve into what makes Apples Never Fall a memorable addition to Moriarty’s body of work.
Plot Overview and Themes
Apples Never Fall centres on the Delaney family, helmed by Stan and Joy Delaney, retired tennis coaches who have dedicated their lives to both their sport and their four adult children. Life for the Delaneys has its quirks and challenges but flows relatively smoothly until Joy goes missing without a trace. The Delaney children find themselves at odds with one another, unsure whether to suspect foul play or trust their father’s assertion that he had nothing to do with her disappearance. As the mystery of Joy’s vanishing unravels, readers are taken through twists and turns that challenge preconceived notions about marriage, family loyalty, and the burden of unspoken resentment.
Moriarty’s novel delves deeply into themes of family dynamics, generational conflict, and the complexity of long-term relationships. With a balanced mix of suspense and humour, Moriarty deftly explores how the Delaney family navigates the pressures of loyalty and doubt when tensions come to a boil. At its core, Apple’s Never Fall questions how well we truly know those closest to us and probes whether love can survive when trust is strained to the breaking point.
Character Analysis: The Delaney Family
The Delaney family, particularly the parents, Stan and Joy, are carefully drawn characters with distinctive voices and backgrounds. Stan, the headstrong father with a competitive spirit, carries the scars of his career and familial expectations. Joy, on the other hand, is the matriarch who appears warm and nurturing, yet harbours her own disappointments and unfulfilled desires. The Delaney children—Amy, Logan, Troy, and Brooke—each have unique relationships with their parents and unresolved issues from their upbringing that bubble to the surface as the story unfolds.
Moriarty’s skill lies in her ability to make each member of the family relatable, flawed, and complex. Through alternating perspectives, readers gain insight into each character’s inner struggles and learn that beneath the polished exterior of the Delaneys lies a wealth of buried pain, resentment, and vulnerability. This careful character development adds layers to the mystery surrounding Joy’s disappearance, making it far more than just a whodunit.
The Pacing and Narrative Structure
One of the hallmarks of Apples Never Fall is its unique narrative structure, which shifts between past and present perspectives. Moriarty masterfully interweaves the family’s past memories with the present-day investigation, allowing readers to gradually piece together clues while building tension. This dual timeline approach adds depth to the narrative and enriches the story with a sense of suspense and mystery that feels organic rather than forced.
However, some readers may find the pacing slow, particularly in the middle sections. Moriarty’s tendency to explore every character’s backstory, while enriching, sometimes detracts from the central mystery of Joy’s disappearance. That said, this narrative choice allows Moriarty to flesh out the characters, making the eventual resolution feel more satisfying and emotionally resonant.
Writing Style and Tone
Moriarty’s writing style in Apples Never Fall combines wit, compassion, and a knack for unveiling universal truths within everyday situations. Her dialogue feels authentic, filled with humour and sarcasm, while her observations on family life strike a familiar chord. The tone is both warm and suspenseful, a balance Moriarty has honed in her previous works like Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers.
Fans of Moriarty’s writing will appreciate her ability to weave humour into otherwise tense moments, adding levity to a story that deals with betrayal and heartache. The book oscillates between poignant reflections on ageing and the complexities of parent-child relationships, lending the story a genuine, relatable feel.
Conclusion
Apples Never Fall is a captivating read that combines mystery with a profound exploration of family relationships. With compelling characters, intricate plotting, and Moriarty’s signature wit, the novel keeps readers engaged until the very last page. While the pacing might test the patience of some readers, the story’s emotional depth and surprising twists make it worth the journey.
Ultimately, Apple’s Never Fall stands as a testament to Moriarty’s skill in creating richly layered characters and thought-provoking family dramas. It is a must-read for fans of her previous work and anyone interested in a story that balances suspense with the complexities of familial love.
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