The Condition.

Haigh, Jennifer (author).

When prepubescent Gwen McKotch is discovered to have a rare genetic disorder, the rest of the family begins to unravel. The novel starts with what will be the last family gathering on Cape Cod and jumps back and forth, tracing 20 years in the life of each character. Oldest son and golden boy Billy struggles with his sexuality. Youngest son Scott gets lost in the shuffle of his sister’s illness and his parent’s divorce and, as a result, drifts unhappily through life. Gwen herself struggles to grow up, even though her body cannot physically mature. Their parents remain maddeningly blind to the real natures of not only their children but also themselves. The reader comes to care deeply about this family, all of whom are presented in a sympathetic and compassionate manner. However, an ending focused around 9/11 seems intent on forcing us to somehow see ourselves in the characters, an emotional trick not necessary in this otherwise finely crafted novel.