At Last

By: Marisa Silver

Narrated by: Mia Barron

“An astounding achievement.” —Megha Majumdar (bestselling author of A Burning) * “Her best book yet.” —Paul Yoon (award-winning author of Run Me to Earth)

Set in midcentury America, At Last explores a rich family saga centered on two fierce and competitive matriarchs whose intertwined lives reflect the complexities of family, tradition, and personal ambition. “Whole lives course down the decades, and every minute is conveyed with Silver’s signature combination of toughness and grace” (Laird Hunt, bestselling author of Zorrie).

Helene Simonauer and Evelyn Turner are two formidable women whose paths cross when their children marry. Both women are sharp, cunning, and unwavering in their conflicting beliefs about marriage, responsibility, and family and, most pressingly, their efforts to vie for the love of their shared granddaughter.

At Last paints a vivid portrait of the American Midwest, capturing the essence of a time and place where societal norms and personal aspirations often clashed. Marisa Silver’s narrative weaves together the lives of Helene and Evelyn, from their vastly different childhoods through the pivotal events that define them. Both intimate and expansive, and capturing the complexities of ambition and love with humor and insight, At Last is a testament to what happens when an unintended, even unwanted relationship turns out to be a central one that defines a life.

Critic reviews

"In 1971 Omaha, Helene and Evelyn meet as their children marry. Mia Barron’s detached voice sets the scene and then, almost magically, transforms into women full of personality. Barron takes us back to the ‘40s and ‘60s, which molded the women, and forward from the ‘80s to the 2015s. As the women continue their rivalries, competing for attention and love, Barron gives each her own snarky, judgmental voice. She gives Francie, the beloved granddaughter, a voice that matures as she grows from a child to a troubled teenager and to a contented middle-aged woman. Listeners hear how Evelyn’s daughter, Ruth, is frustrated by her struggles to succeed, while Helene’s son, Tom, is supportive. Silver shows how histories impact families’ lives, relationships, and choices through generations."

Feels Unfinished

Seemed disjointed throughout. Several times, I had to stop and think, “Wait. What?” It has potential, but missed the mark for me.

The characters

Narration terrific. Story is funny smart and touching. I highly recommend and via audible is very entertaining

Depressive and Slow

I had loved the chapter of this book that The New Yorker published as a short story, but as a book, quite thin, not gratifying.