What Could Be Saved is my first 5 star read for 2021! This heartbreakingly beautiful novel tells the story of the Preston family; alternating between 2019 Washington, DC and their time as expats in Thailand in the early 70's. The pivotal point is the disappearance of the son, Phillip, while in Thailand, who then allegedly shows up 40 years later. This is an immersive family drama with a side of historical fiction.

Throughout the dual timeline secrets are held, buried, and brought to light. It's how these secrets shaped the narrative of the lives of the Preston family members that utterly drew me in. This read is a powerful testament to the human condition and the need for and means to redemption. What constitutes a life? Only the one we had in mind? Are you the same person in these different life versions? You see the Preston sisters continue in their lives the best they know how, struggling, seemingly thriving, one always protecting the other. All the while, the Preston matriarch and patriarch have their own secrets and struggles with redeeming themselves, on the outer scale of what has happened and with their own innermost secrets.

In addition to the superb literary fiction quality, I loved the historical and geographical reference in the story. Once again I was down the Google rabbit hole of Thailand, it's culture and customs (I learned how to "make a wai"), and the event of the 6 October 1976 Massacre at Thammasat University.

If you're drawn to excellent literary fiction, family drama & secrets, and expanding your worldview, you'll want to put this on your TBR! (Pub date Jan 12.)

Forty years after Laura's brother, Philip, went missing in Thailand at only 8 years old, Laura locates him alive and well. Is it really him, and if so, where has he been all this time?

Alternating between 1972 Thailand and present day (2019) Washington DC, What Could Be Saved is about a wealthy, American family living in Thailand because the father, Robert, is working as an intelligence agent during the Vietnam War. The family was only supposed to be there a year, but four years later, his wife, Genevieve, is extremely homesick and engages in an illicit affair with Robert's boss.

Did their actions lead to the disappearance of their only son, Philip? As the story progresses, more and more details about Philip's disappearance are slowly revealed. And when I say slowly, I do mean slowly. In my opinion, it was about 100 pages too long. Even though the story was at times heartbreaking and sad, it ends on a hopeful note, and I'd recommend it for fans of historical fiction and/or family drama.

"My life hasn't been worthless, just because it wasn't the life I would have had."

Location: 2019 Washington DC and 1972 Bangkok, Thailand

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Multiple timelines follows a family across the world to Thailand in the 1970s for work. Then follows Laura, the immature daughter in 2015 where she receives contact from someone claiming to be her long lost brother who went missing while they were living in Thailand. A story of secrets, loss and how to move forward while being broken.

I found the beginning of this to be a bit slow, and had to push myself through as I really liked the premise of the book. It felt too long at points and things going stale. I found myself questioning how many characters there were or who’s most important. Half way through I was definitely more interested and wanted answers, the build up for the truth felt so slow and once we got it, the book suddenly ended. I really liked the idea for this book, but wished it was shortened... that being said I think others will really enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me!

Thank you Atria books via netgally for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This title is being released tomorrow!!!

This book is divided between Bangkok, Thailand in the 1970s and present day. Their family lived in Bangkok and their young son disappeared there, 40 years later the sister, Laura, is contacted by a man who claims to be her long lost brother.. With their aged mother now descending into Alzheimer’s, the two surviving sisters argue if this is a false lead or a trap, but Laura, a struggling artist, follows her instinct to check it out. Lots of dysfunctional family drama, both in the past and present.

This is a beautifully written deeply emotional novel of a family tragedy and so complex that you won't fully know what happened- although the dots are there- until the last pages. The Prestons- Richard, Genevieve, Bea, Laura, and Phillip-are in the fourth year of Richard's assignment to Bangkok in 1972 when Phillip vanishes without a trace from his judo lesson. Flash forward to the present and Laura, now an artist, is contacted by a woman who claims to have found Phillip, now, obviously, an adult. She heads to Bangkok, without telling her lover Edward, and brings him back to Washington DC. This moves between 1972 and the present and the third person POVs of several characters. Schwarz has captured the feeling of ex-pat living, especially for the kids, and of Bangkok. She's also created incredible characters in all of the Prestons but also in Not, the number 3 housemaid who resettles in DC with the Prestons. There are little touches that bring DC to life as well such as Bea's fears that she and Laura would disappear not only like Phillip but also the Lyon sisters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I loved this book and how it kept me guessing. Phillip was failed by every single adult on the day of his disappearance and his story will break your heart- and yet it is one of resilience. Highly recommend.

This book has two timelines. One takes place in Bangkok in 1972, where Genevieve and Robert Preston and their three children are living while Robert is there for a special assignment with work. One day, eight year old Philip Preston goes missing, and was never found. The second timeline is in 2019 in Washington D.C. Laura Preston, the younger Preston daughter, is contacted by someone claiming to be Phlip. Bea, the older daughter, is convinced it is a scam, but after a skype call with him, Laura is convinced of his identity. She sets off for Thailand hoping to get answers to where he has been all this time, and why he hasn't contacted them before now, if he really is who he claims to be.

This book was SO good. I didn't want to put it down. It was the the perfect combination of suspense, soap opera drama among the husbands and wives over in Bangkok, and just really good fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone with a love for a good fiction book.

Transported me to any time and place as the search for a brother missing in Thailand enfolds. I was intrigued by the classicism described by the women living on Thailand after being stationed there. An interesting read that held my interest.

Family, love, loss, betrayal and redemption. These bold and challenging topics are at the center of What Could be Saved. Childhood is never remembered as it was, it is remembered as we saw it. How it felt to each of us. Each of us is challenged with something to overcome as we mature, something that grips us to the core. Laura, Bea and Phillip are siblings, Genevieve and Robert their parents as they depart for Thailand for his work. Danger, intrigue and mystery surround this dual-timeline story. As it unfolds you believe you know what happened, and yet you can't imagine the reality of it all. How does it all connect and who is at fault? Is there every really just one at fault? Fantastic writing and beautifully told!

From page one, I could hardly put this book down. Recently, I heard Anne Bogel use the phrase “compulsively readable literary fiction” and I think that perfectly describes What Could Be Saved.

I loved the dual timelines, the multigenerational perspectives, the stretching out of the mystery, and the way the different plot points raised questions about right and wrong, relationships, and how one deals with grief.

The book was long, but didn’t feel long to me. And there were so many characters, but somehow Schwarz was able to weave them all together in a way that was easy to follow and made them easy to connect and empathize with. Amazing storytelling all around. It was such a treat to read.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Usually I listen to audiobooks; but this book was only available (so far) as a pdf. I really enjoyed What Could Be Saved. Enjoyed isn’t enough to describe the book; the last quarter of the book brings all the ends together perfectly. This is one of the best books I’ve read recently; pretty sure it will be getting my best book vote for 2021. Read this book!

Favorites - the note Daeng gave to Noi.

Thank you NetGalley and the author/Liese O’Halloran Schwarz for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

A little confused in chapter 47, third to last section. I thought Noi only had Vanessa, ad then all of a sudden there are multiple children.

Originally I was confused with chapter 48, but on reflection, with Genevieve’s mind getting a bit muddled, it was perfectly written.

Also loved the line, “A work in progress, like everything.”

Also, I have not read many/any? books where the setting is Bangkok, Thailand, so learning about the culture and city was really fascinating and well done.

I will be following this author.

One more also :) ... I looked up some words with this book, not only Thai phrases but English words also, like peregrinations. I loved it, perfect. Not too many lookups to drive you crazy, just enough.

Told in alternating timelines, this book is set in 2019 Washington, DC and 1972 Bangkok. It is a dramatic family story of the aftermath of a child going missing. It is especially tragic in that the family has to return to the USA without their missing child.

I enjoyed the glimpse into the cultural life of the Thai people. I also liked the descriptions of the Thai landscape. I thought the characters were well-developed.

I did find the pace much too slow for me. As a result, I lost interest about halfway through the book. I also found some of it unrealistic.

I received an advance egalley from the publisher and NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.

What Could Be Saved is a family saga which takes place in two time periods and places; 1972 in Bangkok, and 2019 in America.

Bangkok, 1972 - Robert Preston and his family (wife Genevieve, daughters Bea (12) and Laura (7), and son Philip (8)) have been sent to Bangkok for Robert's job. An engineer, Robert is working on a dam project which is to last one year. The family lives in a large house surrounded by walls with several servants to care for them. Genevieve, who didn't want to come to Bangkok, tries to make the best of things by hosting extravagant parties each week, and making sure the children's lives are filled with activities similar to what they would be doing at home. They seem to be living a dream life, but things are rarely what they seem. The family is changed forever when Philip goes missing.

America, 2019 - Robert has died, Genevieve is sliding into dementia, and Bea and Laura barely talk. It seems they don't agree on anything anymore. Bea, married and the mother of twin boys, is living as their mother did, trying to be the perfect wife and mother. Laura, a painter, is in a six year relationship which she is hesitant to take further.

A stranger contacts Laura saying that they know where Philip is and urging Laura to get in touch. Bea immediately thinks scam, Laura dives right in to find out what happened to their brother, and where he has been for the past forty years.

The author describes life in Bangkok quite vividly and it is easy to imagine being there. The alternating of the time periods is well done with each chapter divulging a bit more information until the tapestry of the family's story can be seen as a whole.

This is a story of familial relationships; how they shape us, how we cling to them, the lengths we go to to improve and/or maintain them, and the secrets we keep from one another. As the author says, family is "inescapably bonded". The story also asks readers to ponder whether perhaps the life we live, which may not have been the one hoped for or planned, may be the one we were meant to have after all.

This is a very good read and I highly recommend it! My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book which is scheduled for publication on 1/12/2021. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I chose What Could Be Saved as my very first 2021 book because I had a strong feeling that it would be exactly the sort of story that works best for me. I was right! It’s character driven, about family, and uses dual timelines, all favorites of mine.

In this book we meet siblings, Beatrice, Philip, and Laura. In 1963, they’re living the good life in Bangkok as their father works at a questionable job and their mother longs for home. By a twist of fate, no one could have anticipated, Philip one day vanishes and no amount of searching brings him back. In 2019, Laura and Beatrice struggle with their relationship, to each other and the past, even as they get word that their lost brother may truly be found. Laura longs to believe, while Beatrice refuses to.

I loved the complicated sibling relationships in this book, each much more than they first appeared. Many of the perspectives held from their childhoods were wrong, only brought to light with the possibility of Philip’s return. I also appreciated Schwarz’s dive into the many layers of guilt surrounding Philip’s disappearance. Of the two timelines, I generally preferred the one in the present, but both were strong and woven together well. Some sections of the book moved faster than others, yet I was always invested and eager to find out where this story would go. I predict What Could Be Saved will garner many fans!

“Now or never, she thought. She gathered herself, reached for the door handle. And stepped out into the hot breath of her childhood.”

This story taking place over two timelines, tells the story of the Preston Family. Laura is the youngest daughter of the family and well into her middle age she receives a letter that her brother who has been missing since 1972 has been found.

This sets up a intricate tale that the author weaves from the time Phillip is missing until he is found. In present day, Laura gets a mysterious letter that her brother has been found, which leaves the family with a huge difference of opinion. We flip to 1972 the months leading to Phillips disappearance.

I have very mixed feelings on this book. Overall I loved the intricacy of the story. This is very well written, especially when written in the current times, it is so detailed and leaves you wanting for more. My issue arises when they go back to 1972, while I definitely wanted to know what happened to perpetuate the story, I found myself not caring about that version of the family back then,.

Overall, I would recommend this book, but you might feel like I feel, that you glaze over some parts. In the end, I was completely satisfied with the ending of this story.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of this book.

3.5 stars
I’m not always a fan of dual timelines, but this one absolutely worked because they were so entwined and follow together seamlessly.
Normally I find myself liking one timeline a lot more than another, but thankfully, both of these timelines were interesting in their own way.
I’ve discovered I like mysteries with heart, and that’s what this was for me. It’s not too heavy on the mystery, but has enough to keep you turning pages.
It lagged a bit in the middle, but I felt it wrapped up pretty nicely. I wanted more from the ending, but overall, not a bad read!

LOVED it!!! It was simply amazing. A beautifully written story with wonderful characters. Loved "The Possible World" and was excited to read this one. It definitely didn't disappoint. I enjoyed how the book alternated between Washington DC in 2019 and Bangkok in the 1970s. From the start I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Phillip. His parents never forgot about him and both tried looking him for many years. They had different approaches. Genevieve pretty much forgot about her daughters while she traveled through Bangkok on the look out for her missing son. Robert took a completely different approach and used work connections. I'm still not exactly sure what Robert's job was in Bangkok. I can't believe how old Noi really was when she started working for the Prestons. Phillip's story was heartbreaking and I wasn't expecting what happened to him. I would have never guessed who was involved. His sisters grew up priviledged without having to worry about money. Loved reading about the characters and getting to know the family. I was sad to see the book end.

Definitely recommend the book, Loved everything about it- the story, characters and writing style. The book is about family relationships, grief, loss, love, forgiveness and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What Could Be Saved follows the Preston family and the fallout from their son, Phillip, going missing while they are living in Bangkok in 1972 for Robert, the father's, mysterious work. In DC in 2019, Laura, the youngest of the three Preston children, is forced to decide if she should risk meeting the stranger who contacts her claiming to be Phillip.

This was my first book by Schwarz and I was instantly gripped thanks to the stellar writing. The story was a mix of family drama and mystery and I thought both elements kept me engaged throughout. I loved the dual timelines and multiple POVs and thought it worked well for the pacing of the story. The ending did lose me a bit; I felt that a few things that were a bit *much* and detracted from an otherwise beautiful story about family, loss, secrets and hope. I think this would be a great book to read with a group and discuss.

4.5/5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for a copy of this book to read. It comes out January 12! Make sure to read it, you will thank me later! 😉
This follows a family in two timelines 1972 Bangkok and 2019 Washington D.C. In 2019, Laura is contacted by a stranger claiming to have her brother, who disappeared over 40 years ago. Laura ignores her sisters warnings of a scam and flies to Thailand to find out more. In 1972, Genevieve and Robert are living in Bangkok with their three children. The world may not seem as safe as it appears.
This story alternates between both timelines as your learn the secrets of the past and the present.
This is one of those books that will stick with me for awhile. Family dramas aren’t usually my “thing” when reading. This one thought drew me right in and I couldn’t put it down. The story is uncomfortable and heartbreaking at times but really forced me out of my comfort zone. I truly can’t do it justice with my words and don’t want to give any of the storyline away. This started my 2021 reading off with a bang! I did need to go read a rom com after because it was a heavy storyline.

"They’d traveled far from home so that they could safely take down the masks they wore; they didn’t want to be known."

What Could Be Saved is a dramatic story of family dynamics, new cultural experiences, and the lengths we’re willing to go to for the sake of those we love. The novel is set in alternating timelines - 1970s Thailand, where an American family, Robert & Genevieve Preston and their 3 children, are on a temporary employment assignment; and present-day Washington D.C., where the youngest Preston child, Laura, is now much older, a struggling artist, with little left of her family.

"What had been precious, or merely priceless, was now worthless, beyond repair."

In the 1970s timeline, the Prestons live comfortably, with enough money to secure matching Mercedes sedans, a team of Thai servants, and a false sense of security. But it isn’t enough to protect them: their son, Philip, disappears, and for the next 40 years, they will find no trace of him.

" 'Snow always makes me think of him.' It was said almost apologetically. She smiled at Laura and got up, left the room with those words still in the air. Even at twelve, Laura perceived the lie in them, and for the first time understood: her mother was always thinking of him.

In the present-day timeline, Laura Preston receives a mysterious message from someone who claims to know where Philip is. Though her sister, Bea, is wary, and her mother, Genevieve, suffers from dementia and is no longer able to search for her missing son, Laura remains desperate to find her brother, and is willing to do whatever it takes to find him - even if “whatever it takes” might be dangerous.

"Laura was suddenly aware that not a soul on earth had any idea where she was... There was no protection against what might happen now, deep in this anonymous alley in this foreign place."

Linguistically, Liese O'Halloran Schwarz writes in language that is matter-of-fact and technical, almost like something out of the science fiction world. The novel’s prose is so far from flowery or poetic that the author’s voice feels almost masculine, though the central characters are mostly female. She employs awkward-sounding phrases, as if to convince the reader that this is not a girly, romantic, emotional tale (“nasal passages,” “onionskin envelopes,” “curdle of rebellion,” “undulating [snow] drifts,” “smoke parping out”). The unpleasant feelings evoked by this type of language added to the novel’s ominous sense of foreboding, especially during flashback scenes. If you’re expecting a warm, romantic, feel-good story, the language may be your first clue that you won’t find it here.

"Even as more details came to her... she suspected that much of it was a clinging cloud of memory pollution, a mixture of invention and extrapolation, the way a constellation is confabulated from three stars."

What you will find, however, is an immersive exploration of Bangkok that feels entirely real; a dramatic story that delves into deep, tragic themes like substance abuse and sex trafficking; and multi-dimensional characters that are at once unlikeable, yet terribly in need of compassion.

"How self-centered she was. She hadn’t even considered that Philip must be in mourning too..."

What Could Be Saved is not a light, fluffy, read-it-in-a-weekend book. It is an intense, slow-building saga that requires patience and focus, haunting in its methodical unraveling of a 40-year-old mystery and the ugliness exposed along the way. I did not fall in love with any of the characters, nor did the pacing feel quite right for my reading taste, but the literary quality of the writing makes this a solid 4-star read for me!

" 'I’m not telling you that you can’t quit the family,' she said. 'I’m asking you: please don’t quit the family.' "

(A huge thank-you to Liese O'Halloran Schwarz, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!)

What Could Be Saved is an engaging dual timeline story. In 2019 artist Laura Preston is contacted by a man claiming to be her brother, Philip, who was kidnapped in 1972 when Laura’s family lived in Bangkok, Thailand. Her sister, Bea, thinks it is a scam. Her mother, Genevieve, has dementia and is of no help. Laura’s long-time boyfriend also thinks the man is a con. After a Skype call is abruptly cut off, Laura believes he is Philip. Against everyone’s wishes, she flies to Bangkok to meet him in person. She is able to get Philip a US passport after a sibling DNA test shows they are related. Laura flies him home, but Philip is extremely ill and does want to talk about his disappearance.

The novel then goes back to 1972, when Robert and Genevieve Preston, along with their three young children, Bea, Philip, and Laura, are living in Bangkok. Robert has told everyone he is working on building a new dam, when in fact he works for American Intelligence to aid with the Vietnam War. The family is known for hosting parties on Friday nights. The children are able to meet some of their father’s co-workers at these parties. One of the co-workers doesn’t seem on the up-and-up to Robert, but he and his exotic date make an impression on young Philip.

The Prestons have three maids, including Noi who is only 15 years old. Noi is seduced by the family’s driver, who turns out to be married to the oldest maid’s daughter. Philip disappeared when the driver failed to pick him up after a Judo lesson. The family blames the driver, but he is not charged with the crime after Noi gives him an alibi. When the war is over, Noi moves to Washington with the Prestons.

The majority of the novel is not about the kidnapping. Instead, the focus is on family relationships, both before and after the abduction. For Genevieve, there is the strain of living in a strange country for four years. She has an adulterous affair with Robert’s superior. She is with her lover when Philip goes missing. Her marriage to Robert is never the same, even though they do not divorce. Genevieve is an absent mother for her two daughters and makes many trips back to Thailand to look for Philip. The relationship between Laura and Bea has been strained for years. When Philip returns, things erupt between the sisters even more. Laura is also dealing with personal commitment issues and her recent inability to produce good paintings.

4-Stars. I would recommend this novel to people who enjoyed Long Bright River. I would not recommend it to my own book club because of the themes of adultery, sex trafficking, and child prostitution.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for my advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.