The main cast members of this New York City novel are nothing if not the essence of flawed human beings. Almost painfully so. However, this is not a failing in this novel. Quite the opposite. As the reader is plunged into the lives of the four middle-aged Plumb siblings who are waiting for and fighting over their inheritance, one cannot help but desire the oh-so-deserved comeuppance they are surely all due. In Sweeney’s supporting cast, we are treated to the better sides of humanity — less affluent and privileged people who tend to make much better choices and display far more empathy. The narration turns from one person to the next, making satisfying connections throughout. It is character-driven, and the author has developed each one very well. This might be a great selection for fans of Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings.