The News from the End of the World

Miller’s immersive second novel covers four difficult days in the life of the Lake family on Cape Cod, Mass. With little explanation, the jobless, recently dumped Vance has come home to stay with his twin brother, Craig. Craig, sullen and angry, has his own problems to deal with—both financially and with his family. Craig’s 17-year-old daughter from another relationship, Amanda, is unexpectedly home from a trip to South America but no one will tell Vance why. Used to a close relationship with his oldest niece, Vance is stunned and hurt by her sudden coldness. Craig’s wife, Gina, usually the rock of the marriage, is struggling with her rebellious stepdaughter and has recently begun contemplating an affair. Only exuberant, talkative Helen, Vance’s 10-year-old niece, and the baby, Cam, seem unaffected by the turmoil in the household. As the story unfolds, old resentments get tangled up with new secrets, and each member of the family stews over the burgeoning crises. The unique landscape of Cape Cod in the off-season sets the stage for Miller’s poignant, fast-paced family drama. Told in alternating points of view, this gripping novel gets to the heart of familial trust, independence, and the struggle to overcome the past in order to forge a happier future. (Feb.)