Greta and Valdin Vladislavljevic (pronunciation guide included, and often) are Māori-Russian-Catalonian adult siblings who share in apartment in Auckland, New Zealand, not far from the rest of their family. As the book begins, they are not doing well. As the book continues, things only get worse.
Valdin, the host of a travel show who suffers from social anxiety and a host of other things, is still in love with his ex boyfriend who moved to Argentina. When he finds out a future episode will be taking place in Buenos Aires, he begins to spiral both tragically and hilariously. Greta, a grad student perpetually on the brink of losing funding, is pining after a fellow student who probably does not reciprocate her feelings but also doesn’t want anyone else to either, because she likes asking Greta to grade papers for her. When a new love interest appears, this one with no hidden agenda, Greta also begins to spiral, also tragically, also hilariously.
As the two siblings romantic crisis spiral in and out of each other’s orbit, we are also introduced to their various friends and family members, each more eccentric yet lovable than the last. The plot builds to a madcap frenzy, while walking a tricky tightrope of hilarity and heart while not shying away from issues of race, sexuality, family and cultural history, and gender politics. I laughed out loud at the Vladislavljevics each time I picked up the book, and was sorry to say goodbye.
-Hannah, Programs and Outreach Manager
