Summary
“Long Island Compromise” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner is an exhilarating novel that delves into the lives of the Fletcher family. Here’s a summary:
In 1980, wealthy businessman Carl Fletcher is kidnapped, brutalized, and held for ransom. . The family moves on, comforted by their money’s ability to ensure safety Their three grown children—Nathan, Beamer, and Jenny—struggle with their own fears and issues. As the family faces dwindling wealth, they grapple with questions about how money has shaped their lives.
Main Character
“Long Island Compromise,” the main characters include:
- Ruth Fletcher: Carl’s wife, who protects his emotional well-being after the traumatic event.
- Nathan, Beamer, and Jenny: The three grown children of Carl and Ruth, each grappling with their own fears and issues.
Key Events
Long Island Compromise,” the novel revolves around a fictionalized account of a true story. Here are some key events:
- Kidnapping of Carl Fletcher (1980): Prominent businessman Carl Fletcher is ambushed in his driveway, This traumatic event sets the stage for the family’s struggles and shapes their lives.
Plot
Long Island Compromise,” the novel revolves around a fictionalized account of a true story.. Despite his return, Carl remains traumatized, and Ruth, both controlling and loyal, tends to him.
Themes
Long Island Compromise” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner delves into several weighty themes, including:
- Ancestral Trauma: The novel explores the impact of past traumas on subsequent generations. arl Fletcher’s kidnapping in 1980 reverberates through the family’s history, affecting their choices and relationships1.
- Family Secrets: The Fletchers harbor secrets related to the traumatic event, revealing how hidden truths shape their lives.
- Generational Wealth: The family’s wealth plays a significant role, influencing their safety, decisions, and sense of identity.
- Postwar American Jewish Identity: The novel confronts aspects of American Jewish life, including tradition, success, fear of history, and shared experiences that bind a family together2..
Conclusion
“Long Island Compromise” is both poignant and thought-provoking. As the novel unfolds, the Fletchers grapple with their shared history, secrets, and the impact of generational wealth. Without giving away too much, I can say that the characters face pivotal choices that reveal the depth of their connections and the lasting effects of trauma. The book leaves readers contemplating the delicate balance between safety, sacrifice, and the weight of the past.
