The Imperfects asks the question :What family is perfect?” Certainly not the Millers – Beck, Ashley and Jake who have been estranged for years. When their Grandmother Helen dies and the trio get together for the funeral, they are forced to confront the issues that have caused them to part. They also find the inheritance of a large yellow diamond which has been hidden away for decades – a gem that has been missing from the Austrian empire for a hundred years. Will the three finally make amends as they try to unravel the mystery of how their Grandmother came to have the diamond?
The book explores the current lives of each of the three siblings, and their complex current relationships with others. The book not only characterizes the sometimes difficult relationships between siblings, but illustrates the desire to come together under a common past. The trio were further bonded by their quest to learn, and later their knowledge of, the experiences of Helen as a girl and young woman. Knowledge that would be used to defend her reputation.
It should be noted that this book was inspired by the real Florentine Diamond – a 137 carat yellow diamond which to this day is still missing. I found the historical references in the book to be quite interesting.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Imperfects which I borrowed from my local library. The narrator was Cassandra Campbell who gave a solid performance. I recommend this book to those who enjoy general fiction about family, or historical fiction.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.