Last House: A Novel BY Jessica Shattuck

Last House by the New York Times bestselling author of The Women in the Castle offers a sweeping, emotionally charged saga that explores the intricate dynamics of a family entwined with America's rise to power and its dark underbelly. The story unfolds across several decades, starting in 1953 with Nick Taylor, a WWII veteran turned company lawyer whose work for American Oil promises a bright future for his family. Living comfortably in the suburbs and retreating to Last House—a secluded Vermont haven—Nick and his wife, Bet, a former codebreaker, strive to shield their children, Katherine and Harry, from the world's turmoil.

As the narrative shifts to 1968, the landscape of America transforms with protests challenging the Vietnam War, racial injustice, and the grip of Big Oil on society. Katherine, now a young adult, finds herself conflicted between her parents' stable, privileged life and the radical ideals of the era. As the Movement takes a more extreme turn, the Taylor family confronts the impact of their choices and the heavy costs of their beliefs.

Last House is a richly detailed family saga that spans nearly eighty years, capturing the essence of a nation’s evolution and the personal struggles of a family caught in its wake. Shattuck masterfully blends historical context with psychological depth, offering a profound exploration of inheritance, moral responsibility, and the burdens of progress.