The Family Fang

I really liked this book-- one of three Kevin Wilson books that I binge-read during a 10-day period. All three, in their different ways, were about relationships between parents and children. They all three skirted the line between reality and alternate reality in a way that I liked -- because, of course, reality can get pretty odd, and the books made that point. All three also had multiple sympathetic characters -- even some of the least sympathetic characters were quite sympathetic. And all three ended on modestly hopeful notes -- another thing I like, even if it's not realistic. I'm committed to the idea that life is worth living, and I don't feel like reading things by authors who don't share that point of view -- it's all about, "which side are you on," and Kevin Wilson is on the same side as me.

I found out about this book by seeing a trailer for the movie. I try to never watch a movie of a book that I want to read, before I read the book. It didn't take me long to get engrossed in the lives of the Fang Family. The characters are all so perfectly troubled that you can't help but get involved in their messy lives. While I really enjoyed this book, I found myself wanting something more from this story. It was like I kept waiting for a profound moment where I would realize the genius behind the madness. Sadly, there was too much madness and not enough genius. If you are a fan of Wes Anderson, get this book because it is as close to a Wes Anderson film that you will probably find in a novel. I appreciate what the author does with this book and I recommend it to readers who enjoy quirky stories about people who live eccentric lives.

This book pulled me in and I was happily immersed in the world of the Fangs. The insular world Kevin Wilson created chronicles the absurd and deliberately chaotic adventures of a dysfunctional family that is almost certainly like no other.The characters are so multifaceted and their interactions during the hijinks and moments of reflection make them nearly jump right off the page. Yet, this family's bizarre nature is still relatable. It made me laugh, cry, judge and question my right to judge. At heart, this is a book about family and cemented for me that all families are messy, yet love and do their best.This is a topnotch novel that flowed over me, immersed me and released me having enjoyed the dive immensely. A must read in this humble bookworm's opinion.

I loved "Nothing to see here" and was looking forward to this book. However, The Family Fang is not really enjoyable. The parents are supposed to be performance artists, but they are terrible parents devoid of decency and kindness. Their poor kids live in an abusive situation. It was a good book, but I didn't really like the subject matter.

There is a dark, funny and utterly twisted thread that weaves this story together from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the plot and the unexpected way that the story develops. It is definitely not a story with a happy ending, so do not read it if that is what you want. I quickly became invested in the tragic characters and in their even more tragic lives (although, I most definitely laughed at many parts). The story serves as a strong reminder that family shapes us into who we are- the good and the bad- and that we cannot escape it, even if we are desperate to do so.

This book may not be for everyone, but fortunately it was definitely for me. Quirky, hilarious and smartly written, this will most likely be on my list of favorites for the year.Positives- The premise for this book is original- a family of performance artists who subject their kids to some crazy stuff. They then grow up and run away from their problematic lives back to their parents' house where they find anything but solace.- I generally don't love time shifts, but for this book alternating between Annie and Buster's childhood and the present worked.- It really is a mystery, especially towards the end. You think you know how it will work out, and you end up being partially right, but yet so very, very wrong.- The characters are great, whether it's Caleb, the father, with a one-track mind, poor Buster with his deformed face (never let someone shoot beer cans off your head with a potato gun), or even Hobart, their old mentor.- It kept my interested throughout; a careful mix of character study and plot.- It made me question what exactly art is, and what my personal definition for it. Ultimately, there is no answer; just like art in general, I think our perceptions of what make art art constantly change.Just Beware...- It's an eccentric novel; it's quite provocative, but it's far from mainstream.- You might not like the characters; you don't have to! Characters can be good without making the reader want to be best friends with them.Definitely a good read.

The senior Fangs live for their art, performance pieces made to confound expectations, confuse onlookers, and generally sow chaos. They incorporate their children into their pieces, making the whole family legendary and respected by the extreme avant-garde art world. So, not the typical childhood for the Fang kids. The story tells how Annie and Buster manage to forge their own ways past their parents' obsession and into lives that are their own, crafted works of art. I almost gave up on this book, but once I'd made it past the first third, I became intrigued and I'm so glad that I persisted.

Growing up in a circus family that uses its tricks to get what they want must have had its problems. The Family Fang are a riot of misdeeds. Things always go wrong, however, especially as their misdeeds and tricks become more and more involved. Laugh Out Loud writing, perfect for a holiday or long weekend.

A book about a family, unlike any other I've read before. The Fangs are artists who use their children as pawns in their performances. Now those children (Child A and B) are grown up, and quite unsurprisingly, a little messed up as a result.This story is about how they struggle to cope with being adults and deal with the way their obscure upbringing makes them feel about their parents.There were bits of this book that made me gasp with shock, particularly some of the performance pieces, and I sat in a pub telling my husband and his friend about it, and both of them laughed at some of the stories I was able to tell.I loved it - very funny, very different.

A really interesting premise for a book. Loved the characters - especially the parents. I read it pretty fast as it is quite a page turner. It's fun. I'd be interested to see the film version, apparently Nicole Kidman is slated to play the mum.

This book is delightful and quirky and original. It arrived fast. Recommended read. If you haven't got an open mind to something different, leave it alone.

Enjoyed this - couldn't help but sympathise with Buster and Annie. Would try another book by this author. If you like the Royal Tenenbaums you may well like this.