The story, set in Connecticut, centers upon a dysfunctional suburban family whose malaise is challenged by the introduction of the older son's live-in girlfriend.

[2] Gary Krist, writing in The New York Times, noted that Stevens "is a wonderfully fluent storyteller with a shrewd eye for the offbeat".

[1] Time described the book as "intelligent and moving", continuing that Stevens conveys the protagonist's "knowing honesty reminiscent of Edna O'Brien".

[2] Publishers Weekly described it as an "auspicious debut", continuing that Stevens' "touch is assured (and) her ear for vernacular dialogue marvelously sharp".

[3] In May 2011, Variety reported that the novel would be adapted into the film Long Time Gone, with Precious producer Sarah Siegel-Magness making her directorial debut and Meg Ryan attached to star as Augusta,[4][5] however she was later replaced by Virginia Madsen.