The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg explores the connection between family and addiction. This is not a scientific study of genetics and environment and social engagement; rather this is an intimate discussion of vulnerability and family dynamics. For Edie's family, her addiction to food is symptomatic of their overall dysfunction. Everyone becomes consumed with their concern and frustration about her addiction, but they all must learn to recognize the roles they play in the situation their family presently faces.
After her husband, Richard, divorces her, Edie becomes willing to approach some kind of resolution for her addiction. This is brave step. It's not enough, however, because Edie's problem is related to her self-perception since early childhood and now has its roots in her relationships to both her children and her grandchildren. In fact Emily and Josh, Edie's grandchildren, become the catalysts of change. Edie wakes up one day to realize she doesn't know them nor has she demonstrated any real desire to know them. When they listen to their parents argue about grandma's health, they become equally invested in helping Edie become healthy.
Attenberg walks a fine line in this novel. She's attempting to discuss addiction, always a complicated subject, through family dynamic. Edie's addiction is explained in how it manifests in Benny's family life and in Robin's career and even in the premature responsible attitudes of Emily and Josh. Although Attenberg nearly sidesteps the controversy surrounding fat-shaming, she does so by maintaining a commitment to portraying Edie's struggle as addiction rather than any sort of merely behavioral habit. In the end, then, relationship becomes the key to overcoming addiction. Edie learns that she must correct her self-perception to account for the immense love of her family.
