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The Family Ship
Chesapeake Bay, 1980. Eighteen-year-old Verity Vergennes is the captain of the USS Nepenthe, and her seven younger siblings are her crew. The ship—an oyster boat transformed into a make-believe destroyer—is the heart of the Vergennes family, a place both to play and to learn responsibility. But Verity’s had it with being tied to the ship and secretly applies to a distant college. If only her parents could bear to let her go.
Maeve and Arthur Vergennes already suffered one loss when, five years earlier, their eldest son, Jude, stormed out and never returned. Now Maeve is pregnant again and something’s amiss. Verity yearns to follow her dreams, but how can she jump ship now? The problem, and perhaps the answer, lies with Jude.
When disaster strikes and the family unravels, Verity must rally her sibling crew to keep the Nepenthe and all it symbolizes afloat. Sailing away from home, she discovers, is never easy—not if you ever hope to find your way back.
Maeve and Arthur Vergennes already suffered one loss when, five years earlier, their eldest son, Jude, stormed out and never returned. Now Maeve is pregnant again and something’s amiss. Verity yearns to follow her dreams, but how can she jump ship now? The problem, and perhaps the answer, lies with Jude.
When disaster strikes and the family unravels, Verity must rally her sibling crew to keep the Nepenthe and all it symbolizes afloat. Sailing away from home, she discovers, is never easy—not if you ever hope to find your way back.
Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
227 people are currently reading
7,572 people want to read
About the author
Sonja Yoerg
9books1,136followersI grew up in Stowe, Vermont, the daughter of a ski instructor and a history teacher. In my first incarnation, I was a animal behaviorist who studied learning in blue jays, hyenas and kangaroo rats. I wrote a book about that. Now I make stuff up.
I've published several novels, including TRUE PLACES, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Yeah, typing that makes me smile because reaching readers is the point, right? My upcoming release, THE FAMILY SHIP, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Watch for it on February 23, 2021.
When I'm not writing or pretending to be writing, I run, garden, cook, eat, drink wine, then run some more. My husband and I live in central Virginia with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's quiet and pretty, like Vermont.
Join me all over the place:
I've published several novels, including TRUE PLACES, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Yeah, typing that makes me smile because reaching readers is the point, right? My upcoming release, THE FAMILY SHIP, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Watch for it on February 23, 2021.
When I'm not writing or pretending to be writing, I run, garden, cook, eat, drink wine, then run some more. My husband and I live in central Virginia with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's quiet and pretty, like Vermont.
Join me all over the place:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
March 25, 2021
In short, this is why I read.
I loved Sonja Yoerg’s novel The Family Ship so much that I’m going to resist the urge to crack jokes or use any boat-related puns. (I know. Wish me luck.)
First of all, this is literary fiction all the way. The concept of nine children being the crew of a ship may imply elements of fantasy or magical realism, but the boat is a vehicle for their imaginations� not those of the readers.
It's 1980 - a time when screens and other electronic devices didn’t dominate free time. The Vergennes family lives in a remote area of Chesapeake Bay Virginia, and when their parents bought their house the backyard happened to come with an old oyster boat, the USS Nepenthe. “They couldn’t afford, either in time or money, sports and activities for so many children, not living where they did. In a way, the USS Nepenthe defined them. The ship was more than an elaborate playhouse; it was a place where their children could play and learn and work together, right in their backyard."
As someone who grew up with only one sibling, it was eye-opening to spend time in the midst of such a large family. The pressure the older kids face to take on pseudo-parenting roles is so heavy, you cannot help but feel for them. At alternating moments, it’s a burden or a blessing.
While we primarily get the perspectives of the two eldest children, Jude and Verity, we see life through the eyes of a few younger ones as well. Each chapter shows how a character is interpreting events, all in third person narration. Many of these events are heartbreaking.
When I wasn’t reading The Family Ship, I was thinking about it. I’d wake up in the morning planning out when I could sneak in another chapter. I deeply cared about the Vergennes family, and I was sad to see their story end. My only solace is I still have Yoerg’s previous five novels to read.
My sincere appreciation goes to the author and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy for review.
I loved Sonja Yoerg’s novel The Family Ship so much that I’m going to resist the urge to crack jokes or use any boat-related puns. (I know. Wish me luck.)
First of all, this is literary fiction all the way. The concept of nine children being the crew of a ship may imply elements of fantasy or magical realism, but the boat is a vehicle for their imaginations� not those of the readers.
It's 1980 - a time when screens and other electronic devices didn’t dominate free time. The Vergennes family lives in a remote area of Chesapeake Bay Virginia, and when their parents bought their house the backyard happened to come with an old oyster boat, the USS Nepenthe. “They couldn’t afford, either in time or money, sports and activities for so many children, not living where they did. In a way, the USS Nepenthe defined them. The ship was more than an elaborate playhouse; it was a place where their children could play and learn and work together, right in their backyard."
As someone who grew up with only one sibling, it was eye-opening to spend time in the midst of such a large family. The pressure the older kids face to take on pseudo-parenting roles is so heavy, you cannot help but feel for them. At alternating moments, it’s a burden or a blessing.
While we primarily get the perspectives of the two eldest children, Jude and Verity, we see life through the eyes of a few younger ones as well. Each chapter shows how a character is interpreting events, all in third person narration. Many of these events are heartbreaking.
When I wasn’t reading The Family Ship, I was thinking about it. I’d wake up in the morning planning out when I could sneak in another chapter. I deeply cared about the Vergennes family, and I was sad to see their story end. My only solace is I still have Yoerg’s previous five novels to read.
My sincere appreciation goes to the author and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy for review.
December 2, 2020
Speechless.....
You don't get to choose the family you are born into. You don't get to select the order of your birth or the very parents who slide into your being their own personal family traits. You are a walking cocktail of quirkiness from a constantly moving North Star that sometimes fails to beam you in the right direction. It's all a shake of the dice, Folks.
As I began turning pages in Sonja Yoerg's latest novel, I wasn't sure where the concept of a large family of nine children who took to role playing aboard a wooden boat landlocked in their backyard was going. It's also 1980 near Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Keeping track of all their names and their personality traits seemed a bit of heavy lifting. Where was Yoerg heading with all this?
But then the clouds slowly lifted and a remarkable story was unfolding. Yoerg doesn't leave you with a mob scene here. She has a gift for peeling back the layers of each of these characters as they step forward into the mix of life while revealing the painful bruises hidden within the human soul.
Arthur and Maeve Vergennes live with their brood isolated from the nearest town by a long winding road and a bridge to cross over. Maeve is in her seventh month of pregnancy in the early months of Summer. Arthur, a former Naval veteran of the Korean War, has trained his children into the responsibilities of daily routines aboard the boat. Each child relishes their distinct assignment aboard the vessel and play for hours on end. Verity, the oldest daughter, is eighteen and takes the role of Captain. Jude, twenty-two, has moved out on his own. Both Verity and Jude will hold key positions in this outstanding family saga.
The Family Ship will progressively take a giant leap from the Summer backyard activities of make-believe into the taut shoulders of reality. Several serious situations will befall this family in which their relationships and their coping mechanisms will be severely tested. Yoerg has a remarkable talent for getting deep inside her characters who display woefully flawed temperments slammed against the pitfalls of the backhand of life. Sometimes the weakest links must be fortified as the result of the others never letting go.
The Family Ship begins slowly as you get your sea legs. Keep your eye on interactions and relationships that start to unravel. There is truism here. (I am from a huge Irish family where my mother's sister had 14 children. You never allowed anyone to get lost in the shuffle.) You'll recognize a certain pecking order that exists in all families and who gets blamed for what. Search for this one when it comes out in February. It certainly is a worthy read.
I received a copy of The Family Ship through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to the talented Sonja Yoerg for the opportunity.
You don't get to choose the family you are born into. You don't get to select the order of your birth or the very parents who slide into your being their own personal family traits. You are a walking cocktail of quirkiness from a constantly moving North Star that sometimes fails to beam you in the right direction. It's all a shake of the dice, Folks.
As I began turning pages in Sonja Yoerg's latest novel, I wasn't sure where the concept of a large family of nine children who took to role playing aboard a wooden boat landlocked in their backyard was going. It's also 1980 near Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Keeping track of all their names and their personality traits seemed a bit of heavy lifting. Where was Yoerg heading with all this?
But then the clouds slowly lifted and a remarkable story was unfolding. Yoerg doesn't leave you with a mob scene here. She has a gift for peeling back the layers of each of these characters as they step forward into the mix of life while revealing the painful bruises hidden within the human soul.
Arthur and Maeve Vergennes live with their brood isolated from the nearest town by a long winding road and a bridge to cross over. Maeve is in her seventh month of pregnancy in the early months of Summer. Arthur, a former Naval veteran of the Korean War, has trained his children into the responsibilities of daily routines aboard the boat. Each child relishes their distinct assignment aboard the vessel and play for hours on end. Verity, the oldest daughter, is eighteen and takes the role of Captain. Jude, twenty-two, has moved out on his own. Both Verity and Jude will hold key positions in this outstanding family saga.
The Family Ship will progressively take a giant leap from the Summer backyard activities of make-believe into the taut shoulders of reality. Several serious situations will befall this family in which their relationships and their coping mechanisms will be severely tested. Yoerg has a remarkable talent for getting deep inside her characters who display woefully flawed temperments slammed against the pitfalls of the backhand of life. Sometimes the weakest links must be fortified as the result of the others never letting go.
The Family Ship begins slowly as you get your sea legs. Keep your eye on interactions and relationships that start to unravel. There is truism here. (I am from a huge Irish family where my mother's sister had 14 children. You never allowed anyone to get lost in the shuffle.) You'll recognize a certain pecking order that exists in all families and who gets blamed for what. Search for this one when it comes out in February. It certainly is a worthy read.
I received a copy of The Family Ship through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to the talented Sonja Yoerg for the opportunity.
January 9, 2021
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
Sonja Yoerg does it again. I have read all 6 of her novels now, and all 6 have been winners! She is one of my favorite go-to authors. I never read the blurb before diving in as I know I will like whatever she comes up with. Her books are so different, yet every one has depth, compelling characters, and a lesson to be learned.
This story is about the Vergennes family who dwell in small town Virginia. The mom, Mauve, is a caring and loving mother. The dad is a navy veteran who suffers from a form of PTSD. Together they have 9 children, ranging from ages 4 to 22. I was impressed that despite the size of the cast, we get a very clear take on everyone. Ms. Yoerg has the family members taking turns being the focus of each chapter, a technique that works extremely well and makes it easy to keep track of who is who.
Early on as introductions are being made, the narrative moves slowly. Once that is complete, the book is hard to put down. Not only are we privy to the thoughts and perspectives of each character, but we also get a fascinating look at complex family dynamics. I especially enjoyed the hair-raising suspense and some heart-wrenching moments as a major crisis strikes the Vergennes family.
I really appreciated the way Ms. Yoerg brought the tale to a close. One of my reading pet peeves is abrupt endings, which are all too common in my opinion. However, the way the author closed this one out was like an exceptionally smooth landing of an airplane on a good long tarmac. There was no epilogue per se, but we got one just the same. Well, done, Ms. Yoerg.
I will miss these characters, including the non-seaworthy family ship parked in the backyard. They provided a wonderful escape along with all the feelings during a difficult time in real life. Where would we be without our favorite authors when we need to step off the world for a bit? Many thanks, Sonja, for being there with a terrific story when I needed it the most.
I highly recommend The Family Ship and all of Ms. Yoerg’s novels for readers of contemporary fiction looking for something different with true meaning and outstanding characterization.
I want to thank Sonja Yoerg and Lake Union who gifted me an advanced copy of The Family Ship through Net Galley. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Sonja Yoerg does it again. I have read all 6 of her novels now, and all 6 have been winners! She is one of my favorite go-to authors. I never read the blurb before diving in as I know I will like whatever she comes up with. Her books are so different, yet every one has depth, compelling characters, and a lesson to be learned.
This story is about the Vergennes family who dwell in small town Virginia. The mom, Mauve, is a caring and loving mother. The dad is a navy veteran who suffers from a form of PTSD. Together they have 9 children, ranging from ages 4 to 22. I was impressed that despite the size of the cast, we get a very clear take on everyone. Ms. Yoerg has the family members taking turns being the focus of each chapter, a technique that works extremely well and makes it easy to keep track of who is who.
Early on as introductions are being made, the narrative moves slowly. Once that is complete, the book is hard to put down. Not only are we privy to the thoughts and perspectives of each character, but we also get a fascinating look at complex family dynamics. I especially enjoyed the hair-raising suspense and some heart-wrenching moments as a major crisis strikes the Vergennes family.
I really appreciated the way Ms. Yoerg brought the tale to a close. One of my reading pet peeves is abrupt endings, which are all too common in my opinion. However, the way the author closed this one out was like an exceptionally smooth landing of an airplane on a good long tarmac. There was no epilogue per se, but we got one just the same. Well, done, Ms. Yoerg.
I will miss these characters, including the non-seaworthy family ship parked in the backyard. They provided a wonderful escape along with all the feelings during a difficult time in real life. Where would we be without our favorite authors when we need to step off the world for a bit? Many thanks, Sonja, for being there with a terrific story when I needed it the most.
I highly recommend The Family Ship and all of Ms. Yoerg’s novels for readers of contemporary fiction looking for something different with true meaning and outstanding characterization.
I want to thank Sonja Yoerg and Lake Union who gifted me an advanced copy of The Family Ship through Net Galley. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
February 23, 2021
The Family Ship is a deeply woven remarkable, unique family saga that explores a family in crisis when tragedy blindsides them. It's a beautifully written story that pulls you into the heart of a family while exploring the dynamics of love, tragedy, grief, loyalty, healing, and hope.
The story is set in 1980 when children needed to use their imaginations to entertain themselves, and the Vergennes family of nine children are a very imaginative, quirky close-knit bunch. They live on a small island property with a docked oyster boat they spend hours going on imaginary voyages. The ship is used to teach discipline and responsibility, with the oldest Verity as the ship captain and her siblings the crew.
The story is told through a few family members giving a well-rounded perspective of the family dynamics. The pace is slower to start as we get to know this large family, which helps keep them apart. I felt for each of the children and wanted to take care of them, and they tugged at my heart-strings in different directions with the emotional pull to the story.
For me, the center of the story was the father and son complicated dynamics between Arthur and estranged oldest son Jude, who comes back home when tragedy consumes the family. Sonja Yoerg has a way of emotional pulling you into the conflicts the family faces and at times I was shouting at them both and angry at Arthur with how controlling he was and how he treated Jude. Through their actions Sonja Yoerg shows us a deeper understanding of family relationships and I enjoyed the love, and hope that shined through the story.
"I used to think hope was something you had because you didn't have what you really wanted."
"hope is more important than what you actually have in your hand. You can lose what you have, but there's always more to hope for" ~Verity
I loved this unusual hopeful story that shows how grief can break us apart and bring us together. It's a thoughtful, insightful and unforgettable story. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
The story is set in 1980 when children needed to use their imaginations to entertain themselves, and the Vergennes family of nine children are a very imaginative, quirky close-knit bunch. They live on a small island property with a docked oyster boat they spend hours going on imaginary voyages. The ship is used to teach discipline and responsibility, with the oldest Verity as the ship captain and her siblings the crew.
The story is told through a few family members giving a well-rounded perspective of the family dynamics. The pace is slower to start as we get to know this large family, which helps keep them apart. I felt for each of the children and wanted to take care of them, and they tugged at my heart-strings in different directions with the emotional pull to the story.
For me, the center of the story was the father and son complicated dynamics between Arthur and estranged oldest son Jude, who comes back home when tragedy consumes the family. Sonja Yoerg has a way of emotional pulling you into the conflicts the family faces and at times I was shouting at them both and angry at Arthur with how controlling he was and how he treated Jude. Through their actions Sonja Yoerg shows us a deeper understanding of family relationships and I enjoyed the love, and hope that shined through the story.
"I used to think hope was something you had because you didn't have what you really wanted."
"hope is more important than what you actually have in your hand. You can lose what you have, but there's always more to hope for" ~Verity
I loved this unusual hopeful story that shows how grief can break us apart and bring us together. It's a thoughtful, insightful and unforgettable story. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
February 23, 2021
Oh, hello, book I loved. It’s 1980, and the Vergennes family is living near the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia. Verity is 18 years old and the captain of an oyster boat (scratch that; it’s a make-believe destroyer!), the USS Nepenthe. Her seven siblings are her crew. Her brother, Jude, ran away years ago.
Verity has big dreams and secretly applies to college. Then, a disaster happens, and she questions leaving because her family needs her now more than ever.
Yoerg invites us into the hearts and minds of every character. I grew to love this family, and especially Verity. This is, in fact, a story of family, and a large one in particular. I was emotionally invested and completely absorbed in the Vergennes, and wow. Kudos to Sonja Yoerg for that lovingly ending drawn with so much care. Overall, The Family Ship is a poignant and well-written novel of family resilience and love. I promise, you will never forget these characters, and neither will I.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: and instagram:
Verity has big dreams and secretly applies to college. Then, a disaster happens, and she questions leaving because her family needs her now more than ever.
Yoerg invites us into the hearts and minds of every character. I grew to love this family, and especially Verity. This is, in fact, a story of family, and a large one in particular. I was emotionally invested and completely absorbed in the Vergennes, and wow. Kudos to Sonja Yoerg for that lovingly ending drawn with so much care. Overall, The Family Ship is a poignant and well-written novel of family resilience and love. I promise, you will never forget these characters, and neither will I.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: and instagram:
May 30, 2021
Sonja Yoerg is such an exquisite writer.
I have read three of her books and have enjoyed all of them thoroughly. Her books are always so different, unique, and just beautiful. All of her stories are emotional and the characters are so complex yet so much depth to each story.
The beautiful Venneges family who live in Virgina in the 1980's explores the surrounding theme of PTSD. The father who is veteran from the Korean War has suffered from PTSD. All of the 9 family members are completing duties on a ship that they have. It's a way for the children to bond, occupy their time, and learn responsibility.
What a unique and emotional storyline. Yoerg explores the Yenneges family with such beauty, awe, and just pure bliss. I was so attached to this family and each chapter you saw a glimpse of what one family member was going through their eyes and interpretation!
4/5 stars
I definitely recommend Sonja Yoerg to those that are looking for something different and unique with outstanding characterization.
Thank you so much to the author and Lake Union publishing for sending me a copy.
Pub date: 2/23/21
Published to GR: 2/21/21
I have read three of her books and have enjoyed all of them thoroughly. Her books are always so different, unique, and just beautiful. All of her stories are emotional and the characters are so complex yet so much depth to each story.
The beautiful Venneges family who live in Virgina in the 1980's explores the surrounding theme of PTSD. The father who is veteran from the Korean War has suffered from PTSD. All of the 9 family members are completing duties on a ship that they have. It's a way for the children to bond, occupy their time, and learn responsibility.
What a unique and emotional storyline. Yoerg explores the Yenneges family with such beauty, awe, and just pure bliss. I was so attached to this family and each chapter you saw a glimpse of what one family member was going through their eyes and interpretation!
4/5 stars
I definitely recommend Sonja Yoerg to those that are looking for something different and unique with outstanding characterization.
Thank you so much to the author and Lake Union publishing for sending me a copy.
Pub date: 2/23/21
Published to GR: 2/21/21
March 5, 2021
The Vergennes family, is quite large, nine children large, and this story takes place before the age of the internet stole our children away.
Their parents bought a remote home near an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay and upon its property was an old oyster ship. The children use this ship as a plaything whee their imaginations can soar and where discipline and rules apply. The story is told in the third person mostly by the two oldest children, Jude and Verity, and we learn how parental duties often fell onto the shoulders of the oldest children. Their ship, the USS Nepenthe, not only became their playhouse, it became their guide. It defined them and in it they could work and play, and become dependent on one another, all in their own backyard.
This was a fine story of family and was a great literary fiction event.
Thank you to Sonja Yoerg, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this wonderful tale.
***Available now as a read now on netgallety***
Their parents bought a remote home near an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay and upon its property was an old oyster ship. The children use this ship as a plaything whee their imaginations can soar and where discipline and rules apply. The story is told in the third person mostly by the two oldest children, Jude and Verity, and we learn how parental duties often fell onto the shoulders of the oldest children. Their ship, the USS Nepenthe, not only became their playhouse, it became their guide. It defined them and in it they could work and play, and become dependent on one another, all in their own backyard.
This was a fine story of family and was a great literary fiction event.
Thank you to Sonja Yoerg, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this wonderful tale.
***Available now as a read now on netgallety***
January 5, 2021
Describing The Family Ship is like putting a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn’t work. This remarkable story is about a family of nine children raised by Arthur and Maeve Vergennes. Arthur is a former Naval veteran of the Korean War with suspected PTSD who trains his children like a drill sergeant. He has moved his family to a home removed from the rest of town, separated by a bridge. This point is essential to the rest of the story. In the back yard is a large boat (ship) where the children play and escape from family daily difficulties.
Arthur has always had authority issues; people giving him orders make him think he is being persecuted. His wife, Maeve, is his sounding board and savior. She loves being a wife and mother and is an expert at handling Arthur. She can usually steer him towards the correct response. They are a close and loving family with the older children taking care of the younger children. Estranged from their oldest son Jude due to an unfortunate incident that occurred due to their daughter Verity, the parents are at odds over this issue.
At times, I wavered with this story, as it was sometimes difficult to continue. The older children, Jude and Verity, are over-burdened with too much responsibility for raising their siblings; it was both sad and beautiful. As each child strives to find their place in the family hierarchy, tragedy is about to strike, which will level the playing field. As Arthur deteriorates, Jude and Verity must step up and sacrifice their own desires.
Truly a voyage worth taking, this was not a book I would usually choose, and it took me out of my comfort zone, catapulting me into the lives of the young but unselfish Vergennes children. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. I gave this book three and one-half stars, rounded up to four. #NetGalley #TheFamily Ship
Publication Date: February 23, 2021
Arthur has always had authority issues; people giving him orders make him think he is being persecuted. His wife, Maeve, is his sounding board and savior. She loves being a wife and mother and is an expert at handling Arthur. She can usually steer him towards the correct response. They are a close and loving family with the older children taking care of the younger children. Estranged from their oldest son Jude due to an unfortunate incident that occurred due to their daughter Verity, the parents are at odds over this issue.
At times, I wavered with this story, as it was sometimes difficult to continue. The older children, Jude and Verity, are over-burdened with too much responsibility for raising their siblings; it was both sad and beautiful. As each child strives to find their place in the family hierarchy, tragedy is about to strike, which will level the playing field. As Arthur deteriorates, Jude and Verity must step up and sacrifice their own desires.
Truly a voyage worth taking, this was not a book I would usually choose, and it took me out of my comfort zone, catapulting me into the lives of the young but unselfish Vergennes children. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. I gave this book three and one-half stars, rounded up to four. #NetGalley #TheFamily Ship
Publication Date: February 23, 2021
March 9, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
A family drama set in the 1980s surrounding couple Arthur and Maeve Vergennes and their nine children- Jude, Verity, Eden, Spider(Arthur Jr), Harper, Roy, Wallace, Cyrus and Nellie( Penelope). Sonja Yoerg takes readers into the heart of the ties that can bind and tear a family apart. Written from a multi-character perspective, this novel certainly drew me in from page one.
Not since the Waltons have I been so charmed by a large family story. Both my parents came from large families( Dad was #7 of 11 and Mom #5 of 7) and so throughout my life, I have heard many stories of sibling togetherness and separation. I appreciated that Vergennes showed the way different relationships emerge and evolve and how there are natural-born allies in a big family( like Jude and Eden). I have a feeling the Vergennes family will linger with me for a very long time.
Publication Date 23/02/21
ŷ review 09/03/21
#TheFamilyShip #NetGalley
A family drama set in the 1980s surrounding couple Arthur and Maeve Vergennes and their nine children- Jude, Verity, Eden, Spider(Arthur Jr), Harper, Roy, Wallace, Cyrus and Nellie( Penelope). Sonja Yoerg takes readers into the heart of the ties that can bind and tear a family apart. Written from a multi-character perspective, this novel certainly drew me in from page one.
Not since the Waltons have I been so charmed by a large family story. Both my parents came from large families( Dad was #7 of 11 and Mom #5 of 7) and so throughout my life, I have heard many stories of sibling togetherness and separation. I appreciated that Vergennes showed the way different relationships emerge and evolve and how there are natural-born allies in a big family( like Jude and Eden). I have a feeling the Vergennes family will linger with me for a very long time.
Publication Date 23/02/21
ŷ review 09/03/21
#TheFamilyShip #NetGalley
February 24, 2021
A family with nine children, a ship in the backyard, and a house run like a drill sergeant was in charge.
We meet the Vergennes family and learn that the ship is a diversion to keep the children busy as well as teach them how to be self-sufficient and learn life skills.
THE FAMILY SHIP has a storyline that takes us into a pecking order of sorts with the oldest child being respected as the leader.
Both parents love their children deeply, but they do rely on the children to help take care of each family member.
There is a slow start that will make you wonder where this book is going.
As you keep reading, you will find out where the book was going, and what a marvelous story line.
You will fall in love with most of the characters. You will also feel the pain of tragedies as well as happy moments which were few since their father was so strict.
Their strict father was a bit much because the children always behaved and were doing their best to help each other.
I really enjoyed the family‘s interaction and how tight knit they were.
Helping out is what happens in a large family as well as having to make sacrifices for some or all family members.
Anyone who has come from a large family will definitely enjoy this book and might see some of their own family with the array of different personalities and a mother who has to make each one feel special in their own way.
THE FAMILY SHIP is a beautiful read with lovely characters, heartbreaks, and a writing style and story line that pull you in.
You won’t want to miss this book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
We meet the Vergennes family and learn that the ship is a diversion to keep the children busy as well as teach them how to be self-sufficient and learn life skills.
THE FAMILY SHIP has a storyline that takes us into a pecking order of sorts with the oldest child being respected as the leader.
Both parents love their children deeply, but they do rely on the children to help take care of each family member.
There is a slow start that will make you wonder where this book is going.
As you keep reading, you will find out where the book was going, and what a marvelous story line.
You will fall in love with most of the characters. You will also feel the pain of tragedies as well as happy moments which were few since their father was so strict.
Their strict father was a bit much because the children always behaved and were doing their best to help each other.
I really enjoyed the family‘s interaction and how tight knit they were.
Helping out is what happens in a large family as well as having to make sacrifices for some or all family members.
Anyone who has come from a large family will definitely enjoy this book and might see some of their own family with the array of different personalities and a mother who has to make each one feel special in their own way.
THE FAMILY SHIP is a beautiful read with lovely characters, heartbreaks, and a writing style and story line that pull you in.
You won’t want to miss this book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2021
The Family Ship is an emotionally absorbing novel about the extraordinary Vergennes family. I did not merely read this book, I felt like I was living it. I was on that old boat with the crew of children, led by big sister Verity. I was sitting in their kitchen as they dealt with hardships, disappointments, grief, forgiveness, and hope. The family dynamics of this large family were fascinating, the roles of each family member changing and evolving as they faced unbearably hard challenges, accepting each other’s strengths and differences, and trying to create order out of chaos and turmoil. Hearing the story from multiple points of view added so much depth to the novel, especially when those points of view included the mother and several of the children. Each of their personalities shone through, bringing their own perspectives to a very unique book. I have no doubt that the Vergennes family will always hold a special place in my heart.
February 1, 2021
A Poignant and Skillful story of drama, tragedy and hopefulness
SUMMARY
Verity Vergennes, 18, is the captain of the USS Nepenthe, and her seven younger siblings are her crew. An old oyster boat has been transformed into a make-believe destroyer beached in the Vergennes� backyard in a small Virginia town on the Chesapeake Bay. The family’s ship is a place for the kids in the crew, ages, 4, 6, 8, 8,11,13,14, to both play and learn responsibility.
Verity’s parents, Maeve and Arthur Vergennes are already struggling to keep up and now Maeve is pregnant again. They count on the kids to help take care of each other. But now Verity wants to abandon ship and has secretly applied and has been accepted to Halliwell College in Roanoke which is hours away from home. Because the Vergennes eldest son, Jude, left home five years ago under troubled circumstances and has never returned, Verity knows this decision will be a difficult one for her parents.
When disaster strikes and the family begins to unravels, Verity is forced to marshall her siblings to keep the Nepenthe and all that it symbolizes afloat.
REVIEW
The Family Ship is a poignant and skillful story by beloved author Sonja Yoerg. Her descriptions of the USS Nepenthe, and its crew and their responsibilities aboard the ship were vivid and enchanting. This intrepid old ship is a integral part of this delightful story that is full of drama, tragedy and hopefulness.
Yoerg keenly introduces us to the crew by alternating chapters from different family members points of view. She guides us through the treacherous seas of family relationships and her writing is full of emotion and tension. She demonstrates both the shocking depths people will go to and the strength people can find when face with tragedy.
Yoerg can alway be counted on for in-depth exploration of family relationships in her books. Her books are perfect for book clubs and she includes perfect discussion questions. She has published six additional novels including Stories We Never Told (2020) and one of my all-time favorites, True Places (2019). Thanks to Netgalley, Lake Union and Sonja Yoerg for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Lake Union
Published February 23, 2021
Review
SUMMARY
Verity Vergennes, 18, is the captain of the USS Nepenthe, and her seven younger siblings are her crew. An old oyster boat has been transformed into a make-believe destroyer beached in the Vergennes� backyard in a small Virginia town on the Chesapeake Bay. The family’s ship is a place for the kids in the crew, ages, 4, 6, 8, 8,11,13,14, to both play and learn responsibility.
Verity’s parents, Maeve and Arthur Vergennes are already struggling to keep up and now Maeve is pregnant again. They count on the kids to help take care of each other. But now Verity wants to abandon ship and has secretly applied and has been accepted to Halliwell College in Roanoke which is hours away from home. Because the Vergennes eldest son, Jude, left home five years ago under troubled circumstances and has never returned, Verity knows this decision will be a difficult one for her parents.
When disaster strikes and the family begins to unravels, Verity is forced to marshall her siblings to keep the Nepenthe and all that it symbolizes afloat.
REVIEW
The Family Ship is a poignant and skillful story by beloved author Sonja Yoerg. Her descriptions of the USS Nepenthe, and its crew and their responsibilities aboard the ship were vivid and enchanting. This intrepid old ship is a integral part of this delightful story that is full of drama, tragedy and hopefulness.
Yoerg keenly introduces us to the crew by alternating chapters from different family members points of view. She guides us through the treacherous seas of family relationships and her writing is full of emotion and tension. She demonstrates both the shocking depths people will go to and the strength people can find when face with tragedy.
Yoerg can alway be counted on for in-depth exploration of family relationships in her books. Her books are perfect for book clubs and she includes perfect discussion questions. She has published six additional novels including Stories We Never Told (2020) and one of my all-time favorites, True Places (2019). Thanks to Netgalley, Lake Union and Sonja Yoerg for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Lake Union
Published February 23, 2021
Review
February 22, 2021
“Family is not an important thing, it is Everything!�
The Family Ship! What can I say more? The title says it all!
A lovely and beautifully written story about family and its importance in each of our lives through the lives of the Vergennes. Narrated across the versions of each of the nine Vergennes children and their mother Maeve, it covers the entire journey of this family.
The ship—an oyster boat transformed into a make-believe destroyer, USS Nepenthe —is the heart of the Vergennes family, a place both to play and to learn responsibility. Each of the children have their own dreams, thoughts and struggles. But when tragedy and disaster strike the family, they come together, fight, struggle and face all the hardships as one family. And most importantly discover the value and love for each other.
An amazing and touching read!
Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!
The Family Ship! What can I say more? The title says it all!
A lovely and beautifully written story about family and its importance in each of our lives through the lives of the Vergennes. Narrated across the versions of each of the nine Vergennes children and their mother Maeve, it covers the entire journey of this family.
The ship—an oyster boat transformed into a make-believe destroyer, USS Nepenthe —is the heart of the Vergennes family, a place both to play and to learn responsibility. Each of the children have their own dreams, thoughts and struggles. But when tragedy and disaster strike the family, they come together, fight, struggle and face all the hardships as one family. And most importantly discover the value and love for each other.
An amazing and touching read!
Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!
February 19, 2021
I love books about family!! They always pull me in. This one was so good! The story takes place in 1980. The Vergennes lives in a small town in Virginia, far away from others. The family has 9 children and they have a ship in their yard. Their father is a Navy veteran of the Korean War whom has PTSD. He has the children playing out duties on the "ship". It's a way for them to bond, occupy their time and teach the children responsibility. I thought this started out so unique and was wondering how it was going to play out. You will get to know the family members as you will read the story through their POV. I loved reading each character's view of the things the family was going through. There are many emotions from the children and parents and I loved watching the family grow through experiences with their love for one another. I enjoyed this one and would recommend it, all of the emotions in this book!! Such a touching story. I can't wait to see what Sonja comes out with next.
February 23, 2021
Loved this book! I loved everything about it. The Vergennes family will stay with me for a long time. I thought this was a very relatable story. I say that because one of my husband's brothers and his wife had six children and those kids' imaginations was something else. They created stories and adventures in their backyard so I could totally picture them as this family. Of course, they didn't have a big boat in their yard but they probably could have imagined one being there. These characters were all pretty special in their own way, the children learning certain responsibilities at a young age and looking out for each other. Being on that "ship" and imagining they are a crew out at sea showed them how to work together and deal with issues in real life. I felt for Verity (the second child and oldest daughter) so much as I went through a similar experience as she did regarding the college issue and her parents' wishes. My heart ached for her and I really wanted her to make that important decision for HER. There are so many emotions in this book, it made me smile, it made me cry, and it had me at the edge of my seat during a pretty intense part. This was a beautiful story of family, love, forgiveness, and coming together again after a heartbreaking tragedy. Sonja Yoerg's storytelling just keeps getting better and better. I 100% recommend this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
October 22, 2020
He worried he wasn’t big enough or brave enough to keep her safe, but anyone could see she needed him. A tiger could eat her in two bites.
Publishing date: 23-02-2021
I received a free copy of this book from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the most unusual books I’ve read in a while, with unexpected plot points, and very creative elements interspersed throughout the book. The plot is quite unusual and involves a very creative story. There is tragedy, grief, loss, and love woven throughout the story.
And spoilers ahead.
Mr. and Mrs. Vergennes are leading a happy life on an Island in Virginia with their eight children, a house that can hold and accommodate all of their children, and a vast backyard for them to wander around. Everything was perfect except for grief, the grief of the eldest son (Jude) storming out of their house, and never returns.
Verity Vergennes (The oldest daughter) is the caption of USS Nepenthe and all her siblings were the crew members. The ship (a boat actually) was a part of their family ever since they moved to their new place near a river. The ship trained them to be disciplined and the kids spent time in it, making virtual sails. And who prophesied this ship would save their life!
Maeve is pregnant with her tenth kid but everything is not good with her. Unlike other times she felt more exhausted and she blamed it on her growing age and some pregnancy cramps until she fainted in the kitchen, dropping Nellie to the floor.
After spending a short period at the hospital she returned home and this time with Jude. I was expecting everything is gonna be fine henceforth but the story had something more for their readers. And the family is faced with a nightmare you wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I hated their dad from that day. Him becoming more aggressive, scary, and� err� in short he lost it! I was rolling my eyes at every action of his as if it is to me. (And the credit goes to the author and her captivating writings)And my loathing for him deepened when the hurricane hit the place and their dad was only fretful about�.hmf� I know it is hard for him, I to a certain degree agree to every behavior of his before that dawn but that day, it was too farfetched.
I was in love with Jude ever since he returned, taking care of his younger siblings, speaking up for Verity, oh mhan I was touched. He really acted like a big brother during the worse scenario. He was ready to risk it for his family.
I loved the way the author explains each character and their bond with the siblings. Her writing made me feel like I’m one among them (Maybe a twin to Harper). From multiple points of view within the family, Yoerg tells an incredible family drama with deep characters that will make you cry tears of sadness and joy. It is a real page-turner.
This is an author with a good number of books already published. I had not heard of her, and I now look forward to reading more of her work.
Publishing date: 23-02-2021
I received a free copy of this book from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the most unusual books I’ve read in a while, with unexpected plot points, and very creative elements interspersed throughout the book. The plot is quite unusual and involves a very creative story. There is tragedy, grief, loss, and love woven throughout the story.
And spoilers ahead.
Mr. and Mrs. Vergennes are leading a happy life on an Island in Virginia with their eight children, a house that can hold and accommodate all of their children, and a vast backyard for them to wander around. Everything was perfect except for grief, the grief of the eldest son (Jude) storming out of their house, and never returns.
Verity Vergennes (The oldest daughter) is the caption of USS Nepenthe and all her siblings were the crew members. The ship (a boat actually) was a part of their family ever since they moved to their new place near a river. The ship trained them to be disciplined and the kids spent time in it, making virtual sails. And who prophesied this ship would save their life!
Maeve is pregnant with her tenth kid but everything is not good with her. Unlike other times she felt more exhausted and she blamed it on her growing age and some pregnancy cramps until she fainted in the kitchen, dropping Nellie to the floor.
After spending a short period at the hospital she returned home and this time with Jude. I was expecting everything is gonna be fine henceforth but the story had something more for their readers. And the family is faced with a nightmare you wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I hated their dad from that day. Him becoming more aggressive, scary, and� err� in short he lost it! I was rolling my eyes at every action of his as if it is to me. (And the credit goes to the author and her captivating writings)And my loathing for him deepened when the hurricane hit the place and their dad was only fretful about�.hmf� I know it is hard for him, I to a certain degree agree to every behavior of his before that dawn but that day, it was too farfetched.
I was in love with Jude ever since he returned, taking care of his younger siblings, speaking up for Verity, oh mhan I was touched. He really acted like a big brother during the worse scenario. He was ready to risk it for his family.
I loved the way the author explains each character and their bond with the siblings. Her writing made me feel like I’m one among them (Maybe a twin to Harper). From multiple points of view within the family, Yoerg tells an incredible family drama with deep characters that will make you cry tears of sadness and joy. It is a real page-turner.
This is an author with a good number of books already published. I had not heard of her, and I now look forward to reading more of her work.
Read
October 30, 2021How I loved the Vergennes family in the delightful novel The Family Ship by Sonja Yoerg. Readers quickly learn this is a large family with a novel approach to how the children have been raised. That they are loved is never in any doubt. Maeve, wife of Arthur and mother of nine children ranging in ages from twenty two down to five, seems to have been put on this earth to mother. She nurtures and cares for her crew in the most loving way and believes "..The joy of motherhood lay in each child's uniqueness." At forty two she is again pregnant with her tenth and last baby.
When she and Arthur purchased a family home with a large boat in the yard the original intent had been to fix it up and sell it but Arthur and eldest daughter Verity devised a game which became a way of life for the Vergennes. Having been in the Navy, Arthur was big on discipline, responsibility and respect. The old boat became their ship and the children were the crew. After some time Verity was appointed Captain of the ship and her authority was rarely challenged. It proved to be more than just a bit of fun for the younger siblings. It was a great learning experience, team building, and when hard times befell them it was a safe haven for the siblings.
The story was set in 1980 on the shores of the Chesapeake and as it unfolded we were cast back 5 years to get some of the backstory that helped explain how and why the eldest son Jude had left home at seventeen and five years later remained alienated. Told from the multiple perspectives of some of the nine children as well as Maeve their mother it was thoroughly relatable. The way a child sees themselves, how they fit into the family - not just birth order - and their hidden insecurities, resentments, even their favourite parents and siblings. It all felt so real. These children had all the normal issues to contend with such as teens locking horns with their parents but also guilt and disappointments, overcoming trauma and tragedy. It was both heart wrenching and uplifting and I didn't want to put it down.
I have not read this author before but wouldn't hesitate to pick up one of her earlier titles. In fact I was really surprised this title had only 516 ŷ ratings. It seemed like a novel that would have been more popular that that. One of her others had almost 24000 ratings so I'll probably seek out that one. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy child narrators. I found myself comparing Yoerg's style with Catherine Ryan Hyde, so if you have enjoyed her books I think this is another author you might like to try.
When she and Arthur purchased a family home with a large boat in the yard the original intent had been to fix it up and sell it but Arthur and eldest daughter Verity devised a game which became a way of life for the Vergennes. Having been in the Navy, Arthur was big on discipline, responsibility and respect. The old boat became their ship and the children were the crew. After some time Verity was appointed Captain of the ship and her authority was rarely challenged. It proved to be more than just a bit of fun for the younger siblings. It was a great learning experience, team building, and when hard times befell them it was a safe haven for the siblings.
The story was set in 1980 on the shores of the Chesapeake and as it unfolded we were cast back 5 years to get some of the backstory that helped explain how and why the eldest son Jude had left home at seventeen and five years later remained alienated. Told from the multiple perspectives of some of the nine children as well as Maeve their mother it was thoroughly relatable. The way a child sees themselves, how they fit into the family - not just birth order - and their hidden insecurities, resentments, even their favourite parents and siblings. It all felt so real. These children had all the normal issues to contend with such as teens locking horns with their parents but also guilt and disappointments, overcoming trauma and tragedy. It was both heart wrenching and uplifting and I didn't want to put it down.
I have not read this author before but wouldn't hesitate to pick up one of her earlier titles. In fact I was really surprised this title had only 516 ŷ ratings. It seemed like a novel that would have been more popular that that. One of her others had almost 24000 ratings so I'll probably seek out that one. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy child narrators. I found myself comparing Yoerg's style with Catherine Ryan Hyde, so if you have enjoyed her books I think this is another author you might like to try.
April 10, 2022
Reading is so interesting in the way it can transport you to different places and time periods. I had just finished reading a book set in the U.S.S.R. in the 1980's when I plunged into this one. The story takes place in Virginia, U.S. in the same time period - 1980. Both stories feature teens and yet, can't be more dissimilar.
The Family Ship is about a family with nine children, ages 4 - 22. Chapters are narrated and told from the various perspectives of children in the family. The author does a good job of differentiating their personalities and voices. I found the story to be absorbing.
Their father had served in the military in the Korean War. The family lives in a ramshackle house in the Chesapeake Bay area. There is a damaged ship on their property which the family has turned into a play house for the children. Over time, their playing on the ship has become more and more integral to their lives. Verity, the 18 year old daughter, is the ship's lieutenant commander. Each kid has an assigned naval role to play. They spend whole days there. Their parents encourage this and think the naval discipline is good for them. I have to raise an eyebrow about that.
Why the three star rating? I liked the book, but found parts of it to be maudlin and rather like a Hallmark movie. I also thought that the book portrayed a false impression of mental illness, suggesting that the father, who has a psychotic episode, could just snap out of it.
Content Warning: Cancer
The Family Ship is about a family with nine children, ages 4 - 22. Chapters are narrated and told from the various perspectives of children in the family. The author does a good job of differentiating their personalities and voices. I found the story to be absorbing.
Their father had served in the military in the Korean War. The family lives in a ramshackle house in the Chesapeake Bay area. There is a damaged ship on their property which the family has turned into a play house for the children. Over time, their playing on the ship has become more and more integral to their lives. Verity, the 18 year old daughter, is the ship's lieutenant commander. Each kid has an assigned naval role to play. They spend whole days there. Their parents encourage this and think the naval discipline is good for them. I have to raise an eyebrow about that.
Why the three star rating? I liked the book, but found parts of it to be maudlin and rather like a Hallmark movie. I also thought that the book portrayed a false impression of mental illness, suggesting that the father, who has a psychotic episode, could just snap out of it.
Content Warning: Cancer
March 9, 2021
by is a family drama and a very character-driven story. Yoerg takes a close look at all the different relationships and family dynamics, and I was glad that she chose to do a few different viewpoints for them since the family is quite large at a total of nine. I was blown away by the quality of her writing and the amazing characterization. The story was very emotional, and so well done, and Yoerg was able to fully submerge me into this family and all of their issues and difficulties. I have read a fair share of books that focus on families, but none quite like this one and I thought it was a very unique decision to use an oyster boat as an integral part of the story.
This book is on Kindle Unlimited with a 'listen free' option, so I decided to do the audio and I was not disappointed. Lisa Flanagan is a very talented narrator, and she did such a wonderful job with this novel. She was great with the emotional scenes and was just a fantastic choice overall. Due to the slower pacing of family dramas and literary fiction, I prefer to go with audio, and it worked well for me with The Family Ship. It is such an emotional character dive, so listening to the book really helped keep my interest and keep things moving for me. Yoerg is a stunning writer, and I am so happy that I finally read one of her novels. Literary fiction and family drama lovers - take notice! And this would make a great choice for a book club as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book is on Kindle Unlimited with a 'listen free' option, so I decided to do the audio and I was not disappointed. Lisa Flanagan is a very talented narrator, and she did such a wonderful job with this novel. She was great with the emotional scenes and was just a fantastic choice overall. Due to the slower pacing of family dramas and literary fiction, I prefer to go with audio, and it worked well for me with The Family Ship. It is such an emotional character dive, so listening to the book really helped keep my interest and keep things moving for me. Yoerg is a stunning writer, and I am so happy that I finally read one of her novels. Literary fiction and family drama lovers - take notice! And this would make a great choice for a book club as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 4, 2021
Like an exotic bloom, THE FAMILY SHIP slowly, beautifully unfurls its petals to reveal the most gorgeous flower. A heart-breaking, powerful, enthralling novel of love, loss, and identity, through the eyes of separate yet deeply connected members of the same family. Ultimately it is a story of acceptance; how we grieve and move forward, together and apart. With stunning writing, a complex, astonishing plot, and Yoerg's remarkable understanding of human nature, it is a book to be savored. A masterpiece!
February 26, 2021
This is not the type of book I normally read but I really liked it. A family saga of trials and tribulations where you really get to know each member and when it ends you feel like you have left some good friends behind. I will definitely read more books now from this author. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to be taken on this journey.
February 23, 2021
Sonja Yoerg out does herself once again! This is a family filled with love and insecurities. They experience storms and tragedies, but in the end love sets their course for greater hope. This story is filled with adventure and angst of a large family full of life!
March 7, 2021
I am eternally grateful for Sonja Yoerg reaching out a few years ago asking if I wanted to review her debut novel, House Broken. I fell in love with it and knew that Yoerg was going to be one to watch! I have since read all of her books and am always excited to see when her next book is going to drop.
Her books are always well written with powerful story telling that will draw readers in. Basically it’s a no brainer when I see one of her books come up for a review�-yes! I saw the cover for this one and was instantly drawn curious about what was going to be inside to discover.
Many of Yoerg’s books focus on familial relationships (mother/daughter etc) and I love seeing the dynamics between all the characters and their respective families. This book promised to be the most complex familial relationship book yet and I couldn’t wait to dive into the characters and their family dynamics!
I do not have a big family. Honestly I never wanted any other siblings and being from a small family was totally fine by me. In fact, I was content being an only child (I have 1 sister who is 7 years younger than me) and I never really saw the appeal of a large family�-until I married into one. My husband if one of 5 siblings (he’s the oldest). He has 10 aunts/uncles on one side of the family and they each have at least 5 kids. So there are cousins galore and they all live within a 1 mile radius. It was a big adjustment for me when we got married. There was ALWAYS a family member at showing up or celebrating a life event. My husband was the first to get married in the cousins group so our wedding was a big deal for the family. In the almost 20 years since our wedding, it’s been so fun being part of the large family dynamic. There is a pecking order among the siblings, cousins, and tias and tios�..and unspoken rules that people follow and no one has any privacy. Everyone knows everything about everyone. I love it which is why I connected with this book is a unique way!
I loved the Vergennes family. They were everything a large family is! It didn’t feel like the large family dynamic was forced at all. It felt like the author really understood how large families worked and all the little nuanced dynamics that existed for each family member. The beauty of this novel is not only found within the story itself, but within the Vergennes family. Not just the individual characters (which were great on their own) but the large family dynamic is like it’s own character and that shines in this novel. Yes the characters have their own trials and tribulations and lessons to learn, but I love seeing the Vergennes family function as it’s own ‘character� so to speak. The author captures all the excitement and joy of a large family and how unique their dynamic truly is. This was my favorite aspect of the novel hands down. The other fun little bit was the Vergennes family lived on a ship which gave it a little Swiss Family Robinson vibe which was so fun and reminded me of my childhood. So great!
Every time Yoerg comes out with a new novel, I feel like ‘this is the best one yet!� but then she comes out with something else and I am left eating my words! This one for me has been the best novel she has written. Having read her earlier books (which were wonderful too!) I have had the opportunity to watch her writing style grow and polish. This novel has heart, tragedy, comedy, love, healing, growth, and healing. I loved how well Yoerg has captured the feel of a close knit large family and yet managed to create unique and independent characters for readers to explore and enjoy. I laughed, I cried, and I finished this one feeling content and happy. If you are looking for a heartfelt book that is heartwarming but also takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, then this is the one for you!
Her books are always well written with powerful story telling that will draw readers in. Basically it’s a no brainer when I see one of her books come up for a review�-yes! I saw the cover for this one and was instantly drawn curious about what was going to be inside to discover.
Many of Yoerg’s books focus on familial relationships (mother/daughter etc) and I love seeing the dynamics between all the characters and their respective families. This book promised to be the most complex familial relationship book yet and I couldn’t wait to dive into the characters and their family dynamics!
I do not have a big family. Honestly I never wanted any other siblings and being from a small family was totally fine by me. In fact, I was content being an only child (I have 1 sister who is 7 years younger than me) and I never really saw the appeal of a large family�-until I married into one. My husband if one of 5 siblings (he’s the oldest). He has 10 aunts/uncles on one side of the family and they each have at least 5 kids. So there are cousins galore and they all live within a 1 mile radius. It was a big adjustment for me when we got married. There was ALWAYS a family member at showing up or celebrating a life event. My husband was the first to get married in the cousins group so our wedding was a big deal for the family. In the almost 20 years since our wedding, it’s been so fun being part of the large family dynamic. There is a pecking order among the siblings, cousins, and tias and tios�..and unspoken rules that people follow and no one has any privacy. Everyone knows everything about everyone. I love it which is why I connected with this book is a unique way!
I loved the Vergennes family. They were everything a large family is! It didn’t feel like the large family dynamic was forced at all. It felt like the author really understood how large families worked and all the little nuanced dynamics that existed for each family member. The beauty of this novel is not only found within the story itself, but within the Vergennes family. Not just the individual characters (which were great on their own) but the large family dynamic is like it’s own character and that shines in this novel. Yes the characters have their own trials and tribulations and lessons to learn, but I love seeing the Vergennes family function as it’s own ‘character� so to speak. The author captures all the excitement and joy of a large family and how unique their dynamic truly is. This was my favorite aspect of the novel hands down. The other fun little bit was the Vergennes family lived on a ship which gave it a little Swiss Family Robinson vibe which was so fun and reminded me of my childhood. So great!
Every time Yoerg comes out with a new novel, I feel like ‘this is the best one yet!� but then she comes out with something else and I am left eating my words! This one for me has been the best novel she has written. Having read her earlier books (which were wonderful too!) I have had the opportunity to watch her writing style grow and polish. This novel has heart, tragedy, comedy, love, healing, growth, and healing. I loved how well Yoerg has captured the feel of a close knit large family and yet managed to create unique and independent characters for readers to explore and enjoy. I laughed, I cried, and I finished this one feeling content and happy. If you are looking for a heartfelt book that is heartwarming but also takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, then this is the one for you!
May 2, 2021
The first book I ever read by Sonja Yoerg was House Broken and I recall loving the way she portrayed a family the way they really are, with all the ugliness, scars, personalities, disagreements and yet the true feelings and love too. The Vergennes family at the heart of The Family Ship have all that in spades. Each character in this story is so multidimensional. it must have been a feat just to write the story and keep all the characters real and true to their traits. Maeve & Arthur are the parents of this crew and they have a love that's so strong and they are each so different and their parenting styles are so different. Verity is the oldest girl, but the oldest sibling is Jude and we find out why Jude left the family 5 years earlier. Verity wants to go to away to college but with mom Maeve pregnant again after a miscarriage a few years before, the chances are looking slim that Verity will get to attend college at all. The Vergennes have so many children at home and this pregnancy seems very difficult for Maeve. The story is filled with metaphors, what's happening at the Vergennes home mirrors the big hurricane that's barreling toward the coastal town in which they live. I shed some tears for sure, as I got invested in the family. I got angry at dad Arthur, and I was proud Jude and Verity for being such strong young people. A truly emotional yet heartwarming novel. #NetGalley #TheFamilyShip
February 28, 2021
Another amazing book by this author. Every time I finish one of Sonja Yoerg’s books I say I liked it more than the last one and I’ve decided I just love them all but this one nearly broke me. It’s 1980 and the large Vergennes family lives on the Chesapeake Bay. When I say they have a large family I mean nine children! Since they live out of town and have no money for outside activities the children play together on an old ship abandoned in their yard. This is such an elaborate game and pastime that the kids even have uniforms and military ranks. Their father was in the Korean War and passed down his rules of responsibility and respect down to the children. After the oldest son Jude fails to watch his siblings and something terrible happens to his sister Verity there is a massive falling out with Jude and his father. Jude, now 17, ends up leaving the family for the next few years. After tragedy strikes the family again Jude returns and the family dynamic again shifts. Among all this we get the POV of the children which was so great to hear. Verity has struggled the last few years, now being the oldest, and too many responsibilities have been placed on her shoulders. This is an amazing story about family through hard times and good times. Ultimately when things look beyond repair can this family put itself back together. This book is so beautifully written. The children all had a unique personality and voice. If you love a family drama story be sure to read this one.
February 23, 2021
Sonja Yoerg has an unfaltering way of seeing past the surface of her plot and down to the marrow of a story. She finds beauty in the struggle of being human and THE FAMILY SHIP is no exception to this theme. In this novel, she examines what it means to be in it together, for better or worse, sink or swim. Her brilliant use of setting - the images of an oyster boat in a back yard that I can't get out of my mind - the many well-drawn siblings, the aching need for independence, the complicated disappointments in those we love most, the desperate hope that we might come through a devestating storm if we can somehow face it together, all make THE FAMILY SHIP a love letter to family. I was changed by this story. After I'd turned the last page, I held the book for a long time.
April 3, 2021
Be sure to keep a box of tissue close at hand while reading this book. It'll make you cry and it'll make you laugh out loud!! This book will take you back to your own childhood and also make you think about your life as a spouse/partner, parent, sibling, caregiver and how resilient we all are despite the things we must overcome. Another great book by Sonja Yoerg!!
February 23, 2021
Ship’s Log: 1980�
Chesapeake Bay�
USS Nepenthe�
Vergennes Family�
�
Meet Mom, Dad and their NINE CHILDREN.�
�
And they have a ship. In their yard.�
�
It’s an abandoned Oyster Boat, but to these kids� it's a Naval Destroyer in all it’s glory and they are it’s faithful crew. The ship is so much fun for them - but also teaches them responsibility and keeps them occupied. �
�
But... having all those siblings is both a blessing and curse for Verity. She dreams of jumping ship like her brother did - to go to college and see the world. But she’s got family duties and mom has another kid on the way. �
�
I adored this family - each child has such a big personality it was so easy to follow them all and feel like a part of the crew. But the ship is such a major character in itself. Each chapter starts with the “Ship’s Log� and we alternate between the mother and several of the kids as a sudden tragedy strikes and they struggle to not fall overboard.�
�
The Family Ship is a lovely balance of both heartbreaking and heartwarming family dynamics, with some really riveting and suspenseful moments that will want you to reach in hug every character and root for them to find calm seas.�
�
Chesapeake Bay�
USS Nepenthe�
Vergennes Family�
�
Meet Mom, Dad and their NINE CHILDREN.�
�
And they have a ship. In their yard.�
�
It’s an abandoned Oyster Boat, but to these kids� it's a Naval Destroyer in all it’s glory and they are it’s faithful crew. The ship is so much fun for them - but also teaches them responsibility and keeps them occupied. �
�
But... having all those siblings is both a blessing and curse for Verity. She dreams of jumping ship like her brother did - to go to college and see the world. But she’s got family duties and mom has another kid on the way. �
�
I adored this family - each child has such a big personality it was so easy to follow them all and feel like a part of the crew. But the ship is such a major character in itself. Each chapter starts with the “Ship’s Log� and we alternate between the mother and several of the kids as a sudden tragedy strikes and they struggle to not fall overboard.�
�
The Family Ship is a lovely balance of both heartbreaking and heartwarming family dynamics, with some really riveting and suspenseful moments that will want you to reach in hug every character and root for them to find calm seas.�
�
October 21, 2020
This extraordinary novel touched my heart in so many ways. Written with, beautiful poetic style that captures the lives of Jude, Verity, Spider, Cyrus, Russ, Wallace, Eden, Harper and Nellie, and their parents Maeve and Aurthur in their own unique way of telling their stories. These nine children lived and played on a ship in a way that protected them and directed their lives. Their fierce love for one another, and their sacrifices were strong. I found myself many times as I read, tearing up, holding my breath, smiling or laughing out loud. This incredible book had love, loss, abuse, joy, healing strength and hope. I loved this book and Sonja Yoerg's style of writing in all of her books!
February 22, 2021
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Family Ship� by Sonja Yoerg, February 23, 2021
Sonja Yoerg, the author of “The Family Ship� has written a memorable, heartfelt, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Domestic Fiction, Coming of Age, and Fiction. The timeline for this story is set around 1980 in the Chesapeake Bay. I love the way Sonja Yoerg visually describes the setting of the ship that the children of the family spend much of their life on. The author describes her characters as confused, each having their own set of problems.
The Vergennes family is first introduced in this novel by the author, who shows us 4-year-old Jude meeting his baby sister Verity for the first time. His father tells him that it will always be Jude’s responsibility to take care of his baby sister.
As time passes, the Vergennes family is quite large, and Verity is now the oldest daughter and child. On a real ship that is permanently grounded on the property, Verity ‘symbolically� becomes the captain, and the younger children have to respect, assume their positions and follow the rules. Jude has left the family, and Verity dreams of a very real possibility of going to college if only her father would approve.
When tragedy occurs, it appears that Verity is needed to keep the family afloat. How will she ever achieve her dreams? I loved this emotionally charged, heartbreaking story, and highly recommend it to other readers.
Sonja Yoerg, the author of “The Family Ship� has written a memorable, heartfelt, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Domestic Fiction, Coming of Age, and Fiction. The timeline for this story is set around 1980 in the Chesapeake Bay. I love the way Sonja Yoerg visually describes the setting of the ship that the children of the family spend much of their life on. The author describes her characters as confused, each having their own set of problems.
The Vergennes family is first introduced in this novel by the author, who shows us 4-year-old Jude meeting his baby sister Verity for the first time. His father tells him that it will always be Jude’s responsibility to take care of his baby sister.
As time passes, the Vergennes family is quite large, and Verity is now the oldest daughter and child. On a real ship that is permanently grounded on the property, Verity ‘symbolically� becomes the captain, and the younger children have to respect, assume their positions and follow the rules. Jude has left the family, and Verity dreams of a very real possibility of going to college if only her father would approve.
When tragedy occurs, it appears that Verity is needed to keep the family afloat. How will she ever achieve her dreams? I loved this emotionally charged, heartbreaking story, and highly recommend it to other readers.
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