A Story of Family, Art, and Unspoken Truths
There’s something captivating about books that explore the messy, intricate dynamics of family, and The Homemade God does so brilliantly. From its evocative setting to its deeply flawed characters, Rachel Joyce crafts a novel that is both compelling and quietly devastating.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Vic Kemp, a famous self-taught artist whose decision to marry 27-year-old Bella-Mae shocks his four grown children—Susan, Netta, Goose, and Iris. When Vic suddenly dies under mysterious circumstances at his villa in Italy, his final painting goes missing, leaving his fractured family desperate for answers.
Over the course of a long, tense summer in the Italian lakes, the siblings wrestle with their relationships—not just with their father but with each other. Old rivalries resurface, secrets unravel, and emotions run high as they search for Vic’s missing will and grapple with their own unresolved pain.
Themes
ThemesRachel’s storytelling is subtle yet emotionally powerful, exploring themes such as:
- The complexity of sibling relationships – How competition, resentment, and love intertwine.
- The search for identity and validation – Each sibling, in their own way, seeks approval from a father who never truly gave it.
- Grief and legacy – The novel questions what we inherit, not just materially but emotionally.
- Art as self-definition – Vic’s belief in himself as “homemade” speaks to the novel’s broader theme of finding worth outside conventional measures of success.
What Worked for the Book
The real star of this novel is the setting—the Italian lakes are vividly described, making the atmosphere lush, intoxicating, and deeply immersive. Joyce’s ability to craft flawed, unlikable yet incredibly human characters is remarkable, especially in the sibling dynamics. While some characters, like Goose, were particularly heartbreaking, others felt entitled and stunted—yet somehow, you couldn’t look away from their unraveling.
There is a quiet, slow-burning tension throughout the book, building towards a resolution that isn’t dramatic but subtly effective. The mystery surrounding Vic’s death and the missing painting adds an intriguing layer, but at its core, this is a family drama rather than a conventional thriller.
Who Might Enjoy The Homemade God
Who Might Enjoy The Homemade GodThis is for readers who appreciate layered, character-driven narratives. If you’re a fan of family sagas, literary fiction, or enjoy exploring complicated family dynamics, this book is worth picking up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably engrossing about The Homemade God. It unfolds in a way that’s both fascinating and frustrating, filled with beautiful prose, realistic sibling tension, and a palpable sense of grief and longing.
While the ending doesn’t provide a dramatic crescendo, it lingers, much like the quiet tinkling of a music box—delicate, haunting, and deeply human.
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read this book.
ISBN 9780857528209
Format Trade Paperback
Recommended Price R380.00
Published April 2025
About the Author:
Rachel Joyce – The Award Winning Author
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