Family Lore by Natalie Bakopoulos is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of family relationships, immigration, and the impact of the past on the present. The story follows three generations of a Greek-American family as they navigate the challenges of their shared history and the secrets that bind them together.
Bakopoulos does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of family dynamics, from the friction between siblings to the unspoken tensions that can arise between parents and children. The characters are well-developed and engaging, each with their own struggles and desires that drive the narrative forward.
The novel is also rich in its exploration of cultural identity and the immigrant experience. Bakopoulos deftly weaves in elements of Greek history and mythology, adding depth and texture to the story. The sense of place is vividly rendered, with the sights and sounds of both Greece and America coming to life on the page.
Overall, Family Lore is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of family relationships and the weight of the past. Bakopoulos is a talented writer with a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, and this novel is a testament to her skill. Highly recommended.