Member Reviews
Tyya S, Librarian
In the Family Way by Laney Katz Becker is a beautifully written and profoundly moving novel that captures women's struggles, joys, and resilience in 1965 America. This book pulls you in with its vibrant characters and keeps you hooked with a story full of heart, history, and hard choices.
The setup is simple but powerful: Lily Berg, a seemingly traditional suburban housewife, opens her home to Betsy, a pregnant teenager from a home for unwed mothers. What unfolds is a story of unexpected connections, personal growth, and the weight of societal expectations. Becker paints a vivid picture of a time when women couldn’t fully own their independence—no credit cards, no easy divorces, and no safe options for unplanned pregnancies. It’s a stark reminder of how much has changed—and how much hasn’t.
What makes this novel shine is how real the characters feel. Lily starts reserved and buttoned-up, but as she bonds with Betsy, you see her grow into a more open, empathetic person. As a young woman trying to navigate a world stacked against her, Betsy's perspective is equally compelling. And the supporting characters, like Becca with her no-nonsense pragmatism and Rose with her surprising storyline, add depth and drama.
The book doesn’t shy away from tough topics like abortion, infidelity, and societal judgment, but it handles them with sensitivity and nuance. Becker doesn’t lecture—she tells a great story that makes you think about how far we’ve come and how much we owe to the women who came before us.
If you love historical fiction rich with emotion and layered with meaning, In the Family Way is a must-read. It’s about family, friendship, and finding your voice in a world that often tries to silence it. Becker’s storytelling is as timely as it is timeless—a perfect blend of history and humanity. Highly recommend!
