We Are All Made of Glue

Middle-aged freelance journalist Georgina Sinclair writes for trade publications, including a magazine about adhesives. After her husband leaves her, she forms an unlikely friendship with her elderly neighbor Mrs. Shapiro, a Jewish emigrant who lives with seven cats in a decaying mansion in North London. The story centers on the fate of Mrs. Shapiro's valuable property as various parties attempt to take control of it. Real estate agents, social workers, and other characters emerge with their own agendas regarding the house and its eccentric owner. The novel combines elements of family drama, romance, and social commentary, addressing themes of displacement, aging, and human connection. Its exploration of bonds between people parallels the technical aspects of adhesives that feature in Georgina's writing work, creating a metaphor for the forces that hold society together.

Readers found this book lighter and less impactful than Lewycka's previous works. The humor and quirky characters earned positive mentions, with many appreciating the blend of serious themes with comedic elements. Liked: - Multi-layered story tackling relationships, aging, and cultural identity - Authentic portrayal of Jewish and Muslim characters - Detailed descriptions of antique furniture restoration - Integration of real estate schemes and family dynamics Disliked: - Plot meanders and loses focus - Too many subplots that don't connect well - Some found the characters unrealistic or irritating - Several readers couldn't finish the book, citing slow pacing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 3.8/5 (180+ reviews) Amazon US: 3.5/5 (90+ reviews) Common reader comment: "Not as good as A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, but still entertaining if you enjoy eccentric British humor."

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka An elderly father's marriage to a younger woman creates family conflict mixed with dark humor and immigration themes.

Three Men in a Boat by Jerome Klapka Jerome The narrative combines British eccentricity with observations about human nature through a journey down the Thames.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce A retired man's spontaneous walk across England reveals connections between strangers and life's hidden meanings.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson A widowed English major forms an unexpected bond with a Pakistani shopkeeper while navigating small-town prejudices and family expectations.

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson An elderly man's escape from his retirement home leads to absurd adventures that interweave with key moments in twentieth-century history.

🔹 Marina Lewycka's own Ukrainian immigrant background influences her nuanced portrayal of immigrant characters, including Mrs. Shapiro, in her novels. 🔹 The novel's unique focus on adhesives was inspired by the author's experience writing for trade magazines, similar to her protagonist Georgina. 🔹 North London's Highgate neighborhood, where the novel is set, has historically been home to many Jewish émigrés who fled Europe during World War II. 🔹 The chemistry of adhesives mentioned throughout the book reflects actual scientific principles - most glues work through either mechanical bonds or specific chemical reactions between molecules. 🔹 We Are All Made of Glue was Lewycka's third novel, following her hugely successful debut A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction.