Florida. The early 2000s. At last, we get to leave the '70s! But the dysfunction gets ratcheted up in Douglas Coupland's All Families Are Psychotic. And this one certainly is. The Drummond family, matriarch Janet, grown sons Wade and Bryan and daughter Sarah. They are all reuniting for the first time in years in Florida, because Sarah is an astronaut about to embark on a mission to space.
Nothing is quite what it seems with this family. There are dark secrets, sketchy pasts, illness, psychological struggles, bad choices, and disintegrating relationships. But Coupland's catchy writing style brings it all to life like a Real Housewives marathon.
I've been a fan of Douglas Coupland for a long time, and I have a lot of catching up to do. There were a number of years where I stopped reading but he kept writing, so I am way behind on my Coupland reading. But all the best of his style is here. The pop culture details sprinkled throughout, the attention to consequences of bad government and societal decision (Sarah has only one hand due to thalidomide, for example), the witty dialogue and fast pace. All the best of Coupland is there for everyone to enjoy.
Now that's not to say that this is the best of Coupland. I have strong opinions about his best, which I will only change once I have read all his books (some, reread again after many, many years). If at that point, I discover something better than Microserfs, I will perhaps--perhaps*--change my opinion. Until that time, however, Microserfs is by far his best, and while I am enjoying All Families are Psychotic immensely, I know that he is capable of better writing.
But for drama and dysfunction? This one might be tops. Read it. With popcorn at the ready.
*Perhaps. Any other fans of Britain's relationship show Coupling who needs to hear that word 3 times in order to feel complete? It's like Sheldon's knocking, but with a character who has the uncanny ability to get himself caught in a copy machine. I love Jeff!!