Commitment, in all of its meanings, is the perfect title for this work. Through love and commitment, a family survives and reforms. Simpsons embodies the axiom, show don't tell, in this novel. The character development and sense of place are beautifully drawn as is the time span in which the novel takes place. I loved this book and came to love and respect all the characters. ( )

Thank you to #NetGalley.

I've been waiting since 2014 for a new book by Mona Simpson. It was worth the wait. I really enjoyed this book though was sad, and depressing book at times. As Walter, Lina and Donnie's mother Diane goes into a depression and is hospitalized in a mental institution, Walter is in college at the time and Lina and Donnie are in high school. Thank goodness for Julie, Diane's best friend who takes care of Lina and Donnie since Walter was in college.

Sometimes it mentioned the future (this was in the 1970s, so the 80s were mentioned) of the kids lives but not specifically but sort of got an idea where it was going but not a spoiler though. ( )

Interminable and so understated it almost put me into a coma. ( )

Commitment by Mona Simpson is a very highly recommended. This is an excellent, heartbreakingly beautiful family drama that explores the dynamics between the family members and the challenges they face.

Diane Aziz is a single mother who works as a nurse to support her three children, Walter, Lina, and Donnie. Now Walter is heading off to college. Driving him from Los Angeles to college at UC Berkeley will be the last thing she does before falling into a debilitating depression. Lina is still in high school and Donnie is much younger when the two have to deal with a mother who won't get out of bed. When Diane needs to be institutionalized in a state hospital, a close friend of their mother, Julie freely chooses to care for them as their father has never been a part of their lives.

Commitments are the thread that weaves this multigenerational saga together. Commitments to each other, between family and friends. Commitments to an institution, school, work. The narrative is also a coming-of-age drama as it follows Walter, Lina, and Donnie from 1972 in to the 1980s as they each endeavor to deal with their individual trials, personal and financial, while finding their way into adulthood and trying to do what they can for their mother.

Commitment excels as an in-depth character study. Anyone who enjoys family sagas with incredible character development will appreciate Commitment, as will those who have experienced life-changing events and have found friends to stand in the gap with them. The emotions and inner life of the siblings is captured in a realistic manner and each of them are full realized characters. You will care about them and wish them well.

The quality of the writing is absolutely exquisite. Simpson captures the realistic, complex emotions and struggles that each sibling faces. There are no dramatic twists other than those experienced as the characters navigate life and all the problems and pressure that can occur. They persevere and manage to make their way to adulthood without parental support but with the support and help of each other as well as others along the way. I love Commitment and it will surely be on the list of my favorite books in 2023.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Knopf Doubleday.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/03/commitment.html ( )