Red Hook Road is the latest novel by Ayelet Waldman, who also writes the Mommy-Track mystery series. The story in this one examines the complex relationships that can form between friends, lovers, and family.
Two families—the Tetherlys and the Copakens—are joined by the marriage of their children. When a shocking tragedy occurs immediately after the wedding, the families are forced to suffer and work through it together. Unfortunately, the Tetherlys and Copakens completely despise and resent one another, so they must find a way to cope in the most respectable, decent way possible.
The book’s prelude is written so vividly, you can almost smell the wedding flowers and picture all the guests as if you were attending the ceremony yourself. You can also pick up on a sense of impending doom before anything happens.
Parts of Red Hook Road are so moving, they’re just written so beautifully. After the wedding, a mourning family member describes the church:
The nave looked forlorn, the candles burned down to stubs, the flowers brown and wilted at the edges…Beneath the pulpit, a galvanized bucket of flowers had toppled over onto its side, leaving a white-rimmed water stain on the pale blue carpet. The rest of the carpet was spotted with smudged footprints and the tiny pockmarks left by stiletto heels.
There’s something about that description that got me, I don’t know what it was. It’s just authentic, I guess.
Another thing I loved about Red Hook Road is how the timing of everything that happens in the story is perfect. For instance, following the prelude, we’re given a history of one of the families dating back to 1879. This sets up the story nicely and makes it even more interesting and intriguing. Overall, Red Hook Road was a captivating read.
I’ve also reviewed Daughter’s Keeper by this author, which was also very good!
Other books by Ayelet Waldman:
- Love and Other Impossible Pursuits (2006)
- Love and Treasure (2014)
- A Perfect Hand (2026)
What did you think about Red Hook Road?
Last Updated on February 9, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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