We Only Know So Much: A Novel (P.S.) [Paperback]

Elizabeth Crane (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 12, 2012 | Series: P.S.

A funny and moving debut novel that follows four generations of a singularly weird American family, all living under one roof, as each member confronts a moment of crisis in a narrative told through a uniquely quirky, charming, and unforgettable voice. Acclaimed short story writer Elizabeth Crane, well known to public radio listeners for her frequent and captivating contributions to WBEZ Chicago’s Writer’s Block Party, delivers a sublime, poignant, and often hilarious first novel, perfect for fans of Jessica Anya Blau’s The Summer of Naked Swim Parties and Heather O’Neill’s Lullabies for Little Criminals.

“Crane has a distinctive and eccentric voice that is consistent and riveting.” —New York Times Book Review

Editorial Reviews

Review

“At last a novel from Elizabeth Crane! With her expert humorist’s eye for detail, she gives us a playful, passionate story of longing, heartbreak, and of the gargantuan human will. You won’t be able to stop reading.” (Deb Olin Unferth, author of Revolution )

“Not since The Royal Tenenbaums have I loved a family so much. The Copelands of WE ONLY KNOW SO MUCH are wonderfully eccentric, hilariously not self-aware and strangely adorable. They seemed so real, I felt like I was reading my own family story.” (Jessica Anya Blau, author of The Summer of Naked Swim Parties and Drinking Closer to Home )

“This is the kind of book that inspires a person to see the beauty in the ordinary, to stop concentrating on others’ failings long enough to see their spark and maybe rediscover his or her own.” (Susan Henderson, author of Up from the Blue )

“Crane delivers a unique and dizzying tale that delves into the emotional life of a family teetering on the brink of everything. . . . The beauty in Crane’s novel is her sweep from acid commentary to heartfelt portrayal of real-life loves and losses.” (Kirkus Reviews )

“Crane’s novel is filled with deliciously idiosyncratic characters, humorous and distinct narration, and a whole lot of personality. Each character’s emotional growth is just enough to satisfy, without being overbearing. . . . Crane’s summer novel has undeniable heart.” (Publishers Weekly )

“This is an irresistible and winsome read. A truly astute tale of love neglected and reclaimed, family resiliency, spiritual inquiries, and personal metamorphoses.” (Booklist (starred review) )

“A beautiful, warmhearted, ferociously honest debut that will pull you in with its chorus of true voices and catch you off guard with its playful, restless edginess.” (Patrick Somerville, author of The Cradle and This Bright River )

“What I know for sure is this: Elizabeth Crane understands family. The simple pleasures, the daily outrage, the constant burying of secrets. Be careful what you say to your children -- they are listening. A funny and remarkable first novel.” (Marcy Dermansky, author of Bad Marie and Twins )

“Its style is literary, with an edge: The point of view is wicked, the characters prickly, the language not quite quotable here. I can’t wait to read past the first chapter.” (Los Angeles Times )

“The Copelands would feel right at home in a Noah Baumbach movie. . . . Our narrator is an omniscient ‘We’ who reports the goings-on of the family with the breathless glee of an incurable gossip.” (Entertainment Weekly )

“Like any good story writer, she had me in the first two paragraphs. . . . A treat to read. The characters are crisp and enjoyable; the narrator is smart and witty.” (IOWA PRESS-CITIZEN )

From the Back Cover

Jean Copeland, an emotionally withdrawn wife and mother of two, has taken a secret lover—only to lose him in a moment of tragedy that leaves her reeling. Her husband, Gordon, is oblivious, distracted by the fear that he's losing his most prized asset: his memory. Daughter Priscilla (a pill since birth—don't get us started) is talking about clothes, or TV, or whatever, and hatching a plan to extend her maddening reach to all of America. Nine-year-old Otis is torn between his two greatest loves: crossword puzzles and his new girlfriend.

At the back of the house, grandfather Theodore is in the early throes of Parkinson's disease. (And he's fine with it—as long as they continue to let him walk the damn dog alone.) And Vivian, the family's ninety-eight-year-old matriarch, is a razor-sharp grande dame who suffers no fools...and still harbors secret dreams of her own.

With empathy, humor, and an unforgettable voice, Elizabeth Crane reveals what one family finds when everyone goes looking for meaning in all the wrong places.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial; Original edition (June 12, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062099477
• ISBN-13: 978-0062099471
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am: writer, wife, sister, daughter, teacher, eater of sweets, crafter, blogger, happy.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect summer read June 19, 2012

By Currant45

Format:Paperback

Wow. How I loved this book! Elizabeth Crane is just SO GOOD. Sharp, witty, fiercely observant. These characters -- their collisions, misunderstandings, flaws, heart are so authentic and identifiable. I felt myself projecting all over the place! I'd recommend it to everyone I know and could totally see it as a movie -- a la The Royal Tenenbaums...

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Copeland family June 18, 2012

By ObsessiveReader_1279

Format:Paperback

I LOVED this book- reading about the Copeland family had me laughing, cringing and crying almost at the same time. This family is one at a cross roads- each for a slightly different reason- each wrapped up in their own personal drama that they don't see the turmoil in the lives of those around them. This first novel will be one that sticks with you and makes you want to spend more time with this cast of characters.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Quirky and fun July 16, 2012

By Wendy J. Sack

Format:Paperback

This book was wonderful! I loved all of the characters, especially Theodore. The writing was quick, fun and spirited. Perfect summer read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good character read April 27, 2013

By Megan

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This was a good, quick read. It's all about the characters; a lovable family with secrets (just like any family). The title really says it all.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Surprise March 24, 2013

By Brendan Pieters

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I don't know Elizabeth Crane's work, nor what made me get "We Only Know So Much," but it was a splendid surprise. She managed to gradually deepen my interest in the Copeland family (the book's subject) and is often not only smart and probing but lough-out-loud funny. My wife and I took a trip, and I ended up reading a good bit of it aloud in the car. My wife also enjoyed the book immensely (which we ended up finishing at home, with me reading the final chapters).

I'll likely get another of Crane's books; just haven't done it yet.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly different! March 11, 2013

By briget

Format:Kindle Edition

I'm an avid reader...one of those who's lost without a book (or a Kindle!) in her hand. I picked this book up and could barely put it down. The writing is different than anything I think I've ever read...it truly was like having someone sitting down with me and sharing their world with me.
I read this on a loan from the library but will be buying it. It's that good that I want it in my collection. And I plan on reading everything else by Elizabeth Crane I can get my hands on!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Quirky March 4, 2013

By Bac

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

What an amusing story! The characters are so easy to believe, and the story just keeps getting better as it goes along. I had a hard time putting the book down, and will look for more from this author.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and wrenching March 1, 2013

By Kate Abbott

Format:Paperback

In full disclosure, I had Betsy as a teacher and she was delightful. I read this book after I was in her class, and I can say that her personality and style really shine in her writing. This book is funny and wrenching--I found myself laughing and crying on the same page at times. Well worth reading to get to know the quirky family. I find myself still thinking about them months later!