In Joshua Henkin's 'The World Without You,' the Frankel family is engulfed in the whirlpool of grief triggered by the loss of Leo, the youngest sibling and a daring journalist. His death in Iraq sets the stage for a somber family reunion at their cherished summer home in the Berkshires on the anniversary of his death. As the family gathers for the memorial, each member brings their personal turmoil to the foreground. Marilyn and David confront the crumbling edifice of their marriage, while Clarissa grapples with the elusive dream of motherhood. Lily's fury adds fuel to the smoldering conflicts, and Noelle, who has radically transformed her life, returns from Jerusalem, feeling like an outsider. Thisbe, Leo's grieving widow, navigates the gathering with a secret that could redefine their collective memory of Leo. Against the backdrop of Independence Day and the haunting presence of the Iraq War, the Frankels must navigate the complex dynamics of family life, love, and the inexorable push toward moving on.