Hyphenated Relations by Daniel Maunz

TITLE INFORMATION

Hyphenated Relations

Daniel Maunz

Black Rose Writing, 270 pages

9781685131890, 05.04.2023

Overall Rating = 4.5

Storyline & Concept = 4

Writing & Delivery = 4.5

Editorial = 5

Sam Daly is leading an isolated life after the death of her husband two years ago. The unexpected arrival of her father-in-law with news of his upcoming remarriage confuses Sam. She had assumed her relationship with him had ended upon the death of her husband and his wife in a tragic accident. When Sam is introduced to his bride-to-be, Marcie, and her four children, she is pulled into a family drama that involves the offsprings’ intent to sabotage the wedding.

Daniel Maunz knows exactly how to tug on a reader’s heartstrings with this novel. His tactics include humor, complex characters, deep emotions, a surprising ending, and of course, a dog. Although I was initially put off by the unlikability of Marcie’s children, I had to admit that their individual personalities cover a spectrum of characteristics found in many real-life families. Told from multiple points of view, the reader is able to get into the mindset of each character and will be sure to relate to them in some way. Well-plotted, with vivid descriptions and compelling dialogue, this is an engaging read.

Sublime Line: “Hyphenated Relations is a moving novel that explores complex family dynamics with humor and skillful plotting.”

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