Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

Book Review of Liane Moriarty's Apples Never Fall

In Apples Never Fall, Liane Moriarty shows great insight into family dynamics.

Moriarty's latest release, Apples Never Fall, is a family drama in which various plot twists slowly but surely unfold. The story centers around the Delaney family, a seemingly perfect family living in Sydney. Joy and Stan, the parents, run a successful tennis school and are admired by many in the community. However, when Joy goes missing and a mysterious stranger, Savannah, enters the picture, their family dynamic is turned upside down. The Delaney children, Amy, Logan, Troy and Brooke, put aside their differences and work together to uncover the truth about their mother's disappearance. 

Moriarty is a master at weaving together multiple storylines and perspectives, and Apples Never Fall is no exception.

Moriarty deftly explores themes of family dynamics, trauma, and secrets, drawing the reader deeper into the lives of the Delaney family.  The arrival of a mystery character, Svannah, adds to the intrigue and provides further insight into what drives the Delaneys. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the plot twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.

Bookclub Questions on Liane Moriarty's Apples Never Fall

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2. The Delaney family is known for their successful tennis school, which serves as the backdrop for much of the novel. How does this setting contribute to the overall tone and plot of Apples Never Fall?
3. What is the signficance of the title Apples Never Fall?
4. The reader never meets Harry Haddad, but is privy to insights into his character from the whole Delaney family. What is your view of Harry and what is his role in the novel.
5. Each of the Delaney children has their own unique personality and backstory. Who did you find yourself relating to the most, and why?
6. The novel, Apples Never Fall, is full of secrets, both big and small. Were you surprised by any of the revelations that came to light throughout the book?
7. At its core, Apples Never Fall is a family drama. How do Joy and Stan's parenting styles differ, and how do their choices affect their children?​
8. The book contains several plot twists and turns. Which one surprised you the most, and did it change your understanding of any of the characters or their motivations?
9. What do you think Moriarty is trying to say about the nature of family and the ties that bind us together? In what ways do the characters  imperfections in Apples Never Fall make them more relatable and human?
10.  What do you think happens next for the Delaney family, and how satisfied were you with the book's conclusion?​
11. Was there a particular moment or passage in Apples Never Fall that stood out to you the most? Why?
12. If you were turning the book into a movie who would you have play the main characters?
13. What three words would you use to describe Joy's character?
14. ​Did you at any point think that Stan was guilty? 
    
15. Savannah is a compulsive liar and causes a lot of harm to Joy's family, yet she still forgives her. Why is this? 

Apples Never Fall was published when Liane Moriarty who, at the time of writing the blog post is 56. Could a younger writer have written this book?

Bookclub Questions on Liane Moriarty's Apples Never Fall (if you haven't read the book)

1. Themes of family dynamics, secrets, and betrayal are common in Apples Never Fall. Can you think of other books or movies that explore similar themes?
2. Technology, social media, and privacy are also explored in Apples Never Fall. Discuss how these issues impact on family life today. 
3. ​Joy complains of sacrificing her own tennis career to support her family. She wants the younger generation of women to have it all, without having to do it all. Discuss what she means.
4. The lack of understanding of Amy's mental health issues as a child is explored in the novel. How do you think attitudes towards mental health are changing in the society you're part of today.​​​

Personal Response to Liane Moriarty's Apples Never Fall

Overall, I found Apples Never Fall to be a slow-burning book that ultimately delivered a good ending. The characters were well-fleshed out, and I enjoyed how the various plot twists unfolded. It was neatly plotted. While it took a while for the story to pick up steam, once it did, I found myself fully invested in the Delaney family and their struggles.

Moriarty's writing style was engaging and kept me turning the pages. What I particularly enjoyed was how, on the whole, Moriarty avoided sounding didactic when exploring family values and character insights that were as relevant to Moriarty's readers as they were to the characters in the book.

All in all, I would recommend Apples Never Fall to anyone who enjoys Liane Moriarty's brand of family dramas and is willing to invest some time in a story that slowly, but surely, builds up to a decent climax.