In her latest novel Every Tom, Dick & Harry, veteran author Elinor Lipman delivers a charming yet uneven romantic comedy that blends estate sales, art theft, and small-town dynamics. While the novel showcases Lipman’s trademark wit and engaging dialogue, it occasionally struggles to balance its various plot elements and character arcs.
Plot Overview: More Than Just Another Rom-Com
Emma Lewis, a reluctant heir to her parents’ estate sale business, finds herself navigating an unexpected world of colorful characters and complicated relationships in the small town of Harrow, Massachusetts. When she takes on the sale of a former bed-and-breakfast that doubled as an escort service, she discovers more than just antiques and collectibles—she uncovers art theft, romance, and family secrets.
Character Analysis: A Mixed Bag of Personalities
The Protagonist
Emma Lewis emerges as a relatable if sometimes passive protagonist. Her journey from reluctant business owner to confident professional is believable, though her character development occasionally feels rushed. Her romance with Police Chief Luke Winooski provides some of the book’s most genuine moments.
Supporting Cast
The novel’s strength lies in its varied supporting characters:
- Frank Crowley – A sympathetic former teacher whose storyline often overshadows the main plot
- Connie Winooski – Luke’s mother, whose romance with Frank adds warmth to the narrative
- The Mankopfs – A fascinating but underutilized family whose criminal activities drive much of the plot
Writing Style: Signature Lipman with Some Missteps
Lipman’s prose remains sharp and witty, with dialogue that sparkles in many scenes. However, the narrative sometimes meanders, particularly in the middle sections where multiple subplots compete for attention. The author’s attempt to blend romance, mystery, and family drama occasionally results in tonal inconsistency.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works
- Engaging dialogue and humor
- Well-developed romantic relationships
- Rich small-town atmosphere
- Interesting premise combining estate sales and art theft
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing issues, especially in the middle sections
- Some underdeveloped subplots
- Occasional character motivation inconsistencies
- Resolution feels rushed
Thematic Elements: Love, Family, and Second Chances
The novel successfully explores several themes:
- The complexity of family relationships
- The possibility of finding love at any age
- The importance of personal growth and self-discovery
- The role of community in personal transformation
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of Lipman’s previous novels like Ms. Demeanor and On Turpentine Lane will recognize her signature style, though this work feels less polished than some of her earlier efforts. The book shares DNA with other contemporary romantic comedies but distinguishes itself through its unique estate sale backdrop and art theft elements.
Impact and Relevance
While not Lipman’s strongest work, Every Tom, Dick & Harry offers enough charm and humor to satisfy most readers. The novel’s exploration of second chances and family dynamics resonates, even when the plot occasionally strains credibility.
Technical Elements
Pacing
The novel’s pacing varies significantly, starting strong but losing momentum in the middle before rushing to its conclusion.
Structure
The book’s structure generally works, though some subplots feel unnecessary and distracting from the main narrative.
Point of View
The third-person narrative effectively conveys Emma’s perspective while allowing insight into other characters’ motivations.
Cultural Context and Setting
Lipman’s portrayal of small-town Massachusetts life feels authentic, though some elements of the art theft subplot stretch believability. The author’s handling of the escort service backstory occasionally feels too light given the subject matter.
Target Audience
The novel will appeal primarily to:
- Fans of romantic comedy with a twist
- Readers who enjoy small-town settings
- Those interested in art and antiques
- Followers of Lipman’s previous work
Critical Assessment
Every Tom, Dick & Harry represents a mixed success. While it contains many enjoyable elements and Lipman’s characteristic charm, it doesn’t quite achieve the heights of her best work.
Pros
- Engaging primary romance
- Well-drawn setting
- Interesting premise
- Strong dialogue
Cons
- Uneven pacing
- Some underdeveloped subplots
- Occasional tonal inconsistencies
- Rush to resolution
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, Every Tom, Dick & Harry provides enough entertainment and heart to make it worth reading. While not Lipman’s strongest novel, it offers sufficient charm and humor to satisfy most readers, particularly those who enjoy romantic comedy with a dash of mystery.
Recommendations
This book would appeal to readers who enjoyed:
- The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser
- The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs
- The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
About the Author
Elinor Lipman has established herself as a reliable voice in contemporary fiction with previous successes like Then She Found Me (adapted into a film starring Helen Hunt) and The Inn at Lake Devine. While Every Tom, Dick & Harry may not rank among her best works, it demonstrates her continuing ability to craft engaging characters and memorable dialogue.
Reading Experience and Conclusion
Reading Every Tom, Dick & Harry is like spending time with an old friend who’s telling a somewhat meandering but ultimately satisfying story. While the novel has its shortcomings, Lipman’s warm writing style and ability to create memorable characters make it an enjoyable, if not perfect, addition to her body of work.
The book serves as a reminder that even in our complex modern world, there’s still room for stories about love, second chances, and the unexpected ways our lives can change when we least expect it.
