'Being in a foreign country made even the smallest differences seem like art,' Straub observes. Franny waxes on the pleasures of 'being alone in the kitchen,' and her passion for her children, for her friend Charles, for food, love and travel, illuminates the narrative. Straub may be an heir to Laurie Colwin, crafting characters that are smart, addictively charming, delightfully misanthropic and fun. the novel's joy and humor are infectious. the island is brought to life irresistibly. Straub's gorgeously written novel follows the Post family. * Independent *įor those unable to jet off to a Spanish island this summer, reading The Vacationers may be the next-best thing. The Vacationers is a holiday read in every way with a gently witty narrative that slips down as easily as a beachside cocktail. Straub's novel is cast from the same mould as the likes of Liza Klaussmann's Tigers in Red Weather and Maggie Shipstead's Seating Arrangements. hard to beat for sheer charm and gentle wit. Now this is what I call good holiday reading. Maria Semple, author of Orange Prize-shortlisted WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? Witty, big-hearted, and packed with wisdom, The Vacationers is a breezy read that sneaks in its emotional wallops and leaves you smiling for days. Maggie Shipstead, author of SEATING ARRANGEMENTS Elizabeth Gilbert, author of EAT, PRAY, LOVEĬharming and absorbing, this is a novel that demands to be read in long, satisfying gulps. The characters will linger with me long into the future. She's a natural talent and a gorgeous and witty storyteller. I would read anything Emma Straub writes. I loved Emma Straub's The Vacationers funny, poignant and beautifully observed.

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