This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman audiobook

This Is Not About Us: Fiction

By Allegra Goodman
Read by Kimberly Farr

Penguin Random House, Books on Tape, Random House Audio

Unabridged

Format : Library CD (In Stock)
  • Available on 03/17/2026

    ISBN: 9798217412976

Runtime: 12.19 Hours
Category: Fiction
Audience: Adult
Language: English

Summary

Summary

Winner of the Earphones Award for Narration

A #1 Amazon Bestseller

A February 2026 LibraryReads Pick

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A kaleidoscopic portrait of a modern American family—steadfast, complicated, begrudging, and loving—from the bestselling author of Isola

“Wise, witty . . . a deliciously readable book [about] the delicate minutiae of family life, played beautifully, boldly, brightly in a major key.”—The New York Times Book Review


“Goodman’s mature and deftly written book suggests that, in family as in art, there is no such thing as uncomplicated happiness.”—The Wall Street Journal

Was this just a brief skirmish, or the beginning of a thirty-year feud? In the Rubinstein family, it could go either way.

When their beloved sister passes away, Sylvia and Helen Rubinstein are unmoored. A misunderstanding about apple cake turns into a decade of stubborn silence. Busy with their own lives—divorces, dating, career setbacks, college applications, bat mitzvahs and ballet recitals—their children do not want to get involved. As for their grandchildren? Impossible.

With This Is Not About Us, master storyteller Allegra Goodman—whose prior collection was heralded as “one of the most astute and engaging books about American family life” (The Boston Globe)—returns to the form and subject that endeared her to legions of readers. Sharply observed and laced with humor, This Is Not About Us is a story of growing up and growing old, the weight of parental expectations, and the complex connection between sisters—a big-hearted book about the love that binds a family across generations.

Editorial Reviews

Editorial Reviews

“In an understated narration, Kimberly Farr delivers the many individual stories inherent in being part of a family…Farr handles each memorable moment flawlessly…Farr’s well-matched performance makes the complicated Rothstein family feel as real and frustrating and loving as our own. Winner of the Earphones Award.” Kirkus Audiobook Reviews
“A funny and moving Jewish family saga.” Boston Globe

Reviews

Reviews

Author

Author Bio: Allegra Goodman

Author Bio: Allegra Goodman

Allegra Goodman is the author of six novels, including the national bestseller Sam, which was a Read with Jenna selection; two short story collections; and a novel for young readers. Her fiction has appeared in the New Yorker and elsewhere and has been anthologized in The O. Henry Awards and Best American Short Stories.

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Details

Details

Available Formats : Library CD
Category: Fiction
Runtime: 12.19
Audience: Adult
Language: English