# This Is Where I Leave You

By Jonathan Tropper

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/this-is-where-i-leave-you-18ccd07f/

Judd Foxman’s marriage has fallen apart when his father dies. A week of shiva brings the family under one roof, where mourning leaves plenty of time for old resentments and everyone’s current troubles.

## What makes it funny?

News of their father’s death sends Judd and his sister Wendy into a disagreement about grammar. Their mother worries about tipping the coroner. This is a family that can find something to argue about even before the mourning begins.

### The comedy at work

Wisecracks and insults help the Foxmans avoid talking plainly about grief. The enforced time together makes that evasion difficult. Their mother’s reputation as a parenting expert adds another discomfort: her own adult children are struggling.

### Try this if…

Sharp family arguments and irreverent narration may appeal if you like comedy that stays close to painful failures in marriage and family life. Readers in funny-fiction discussions include the novel among their recommendations.

### Good to know

Bereavement and terminal illness receive detailed attention. Infidelity, miscarriage and infertility are among the family’s troubles; the book also includes profanity and sexual material.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- On the shelf: Family comedy
- Kind of humor: Banter · Dark comedy · Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2009

## A few distinguishing details

- A parenting expert’s troubled children gather to mourn their father.

## Sources & further reading

- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780525951278)
- Reading sample: [Opening chapter](https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/this-is-where-i-leave-you/excerpt)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/303947/this-is-where-i-leave-you-by-jonathan-tropper)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/TwoGirlsMustReads/permalink/1811990116266805)