Review of Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay
I’ve always been drawn to stories that peel back the layers of family dynamics, particularly when they unfold against the chaotic backdrop of college life. Alex Finlay’s Parents Weekend caught my eye not just for its intriguing premise, but also because I’ve been a fan of his earlier works like The Night Shift and If Something Happens To Me. I dove in, eager to immerse myself in the lives of five families and the drama that ensues when their college kids go missing during Parents Weekend. Sadly, while the concept was magnetic, the execution left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.
Set in a picturesque private school in Northern California, the story focuses on the anticipation of five families gathering to celebrate their children’s first year of college. What should have been a festive night quickly spirals into chaos when the students from Campisi Hall—Libby, Blane, Mark, Felix, and Stella—fail to show up. The initial assumption that they’ve simply chosen to chase college escapades quickly transforms into sheer panic, drawing in campus police and concerned parents who begin to question not only where their children are but also the complexities of their own relationships. Finlay explores fascinating themes of expectation and family dysfunction, layering in the idea that perhaps these young adults’ troubles are rooted in the sins of their predecessors.
The narrative employs a multi-perspective approach, shifting between past and present, which usually fascinates me. Unfortunately, I found the characters lacked depth. They felt like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, leaving me struggling to connect with them. I often revel in the nuances of multi-POV narratives, but here, the wealthy bureaucrat, affable plastic surgeon, and privileged judge became rather forgettable. The authenticity I crave when delving into the lives of young adults grappling with their identities didn’t resonate with me; instead, they reminded me of caricatures, painting a rather unflattering picture of privilege without substance.
One of the bright spots, though, was the return of FBI Special Agent Sarah Keller. Her character brought a much-needed spark to the plot, capturing my attention and pulling me through the more lackluster parts of the story. Her stakes felt real, and her depth offered a pleasurable contrast to the other characters. I often find myself yearning for a strong lead in ensemble casts, and Keller certainly fit the bill.
Overall, while Parents Weekend had a brisk pacing that kept me turning the pages, I found myself wishing for a more profound exploration of its themes and characters. The potential was evident; however, the execution fell short for me.
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy suspenseful narratives that center on family and friendships, especially those who are already fans of Finlay’s work. While I walked away feeling a bit disappointed, I still admire Finlay’s talent and hope for deeper character development in his future releases. After all, every author has their hits and misses, and I’m looking forward to seeing where Finlay’s journey takes him next. If you enjoy stories of entitled youth unraveling against their family’s legacy, this might still be worth picking up—but just be prepared for a mix of intrigue and frustration.