If you read only one story about incest, whaling, keeping crows as pets, and lost parents this year, read this one!

Janice Clark has compiled a monster of a history of the Rathbones family. I loved the voice in which she wrote — awash in the sea and longing and plenty of humor. The line she has when the second set of seven suitors arrive — “The men must have expected a more formal interview.” — is excellent and probably is funnier in context.

Well worth your time.