All I Love and Know, Judith Frank
All I Love and Know, Judith Frank
1 Rating(s)
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All I Love and Know
A Novel

Author: Judith Frank

Narrator: Peter Berkrot

Unabridged: 15 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: William Morrow

Published: 07/15/2014


Synopsis

Told with the storytelling power and emotional fidelity of Wally Lamb, this is a searing drama of a modern American family on the brink of dissolution, one that explores adoption, gay marriage, and love lost and found.For years, Matthew Greene and Daniel Rosen have enjoyed a quiet domestic life together in Northampton, Massachusetts. Opposites in many ways, they have grown together and made their relationship work. But when they learn that Daniel’s twin brother and sister-in-law have been killed in a bombing in Jerusalem, their lives are suddenly, utterly transformed.In dealing with their families and the need to make a decision about who will raise the deceased couple’s two children, both Matthew and Daniel are confronted with challenges that strike at the very heart of their relationship. What is Matthew’s place in an extended family that does not completely accept him or the commitment he and Daniel have made? How do Daniel’s questions about his identity as a Jewish man affect his life as a gay American? Tensions only intensify when they learn that the deceased parents wanted Matthew and Daniel to adopt the children—six-year-old Gal, and baby Noam.The impact this instant new family has on Matthew, Daniel, and their relationship is subtle and heartbreaking, yet not without glimmers of hope. They must learn to reinvent and redefine their bond in profound, sometimes painful ways. What kind of parents can these two men really be? How does a family become strong enough to stay together and endure? And are there limits to honesty or commitment—or love? 

About Judith Frank

Judith Frank is a professor of English at Amherst College. She was the recipient of a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, has held residencies at Yaddo and MacDowell, and is the author of a previous novel, Crybaby Butch.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Katie on August 07, 2014

When I read a book this wonderful, I always wish I had more of a way with words, so I could do the book justice. I desperately want to convey the essence of this book to you so that you can share the love and awe I feel for it. I’m not someone who always loves flawed characters. I sometimes even fin......more

Goodreads review by Lynne on June 02, 2016

There are many, many issues explored in this story. Zionism, validity of wills, parental rights, single parenthood, grandparent rights, stereotyping, freedom of speech, and oh by the way, gay rights. I haven't come across another story with similar subjects and really liked reading about these topic......more

Goodreads review by Ana on January 03, 2016

I love how this book steps on every landmine, makes you feel the blast and the aftershock and yet manages to make me feel hopeful. I am such a Daniel..........more

Goodreads review by Megan on July 22, 2014

This book was fantastic. I couldn't put it down. It's been a fair while since I've read a book that I think about during the day and can't wait to get back to in the evening. Within the first few chapters, I was completely hooked on this story. I felt emotionally attached to the plot and the charact......more

Goodreads review by Lenore on August 11, 2014

One of the most compelling, heart rending books I have ever read. It was the first time I have seen my opinions of the Arab-Israeli conflict written about. You cannot help but love this extended family and wish for a happy ending to their story. After reading the acknowledgements, I wonder exactly h......more