Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - The People We Keep

Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin

31 reviews

_mor06_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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madelinedalton's review against another edition

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emotional informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I hate that literally every single man in this book, regardless of if they were “good” or bad, was trying to fuck her. The only one who didn’t was gay. This feels really icky to me. I also got really sick of the constant trauma bonding and relationships with much older men. (To be fair, Robert’s age isn’t specified, but I would imagine he’s much closer to Ethan’s age than April’s.)

Also, you’re telling me that a man who was raped by his stepmother at 14 and therefore is nervous about sex doesn’t see ANY issue with dating a 19-year-old when he’s 27? Even though he believed April to be a legal adult, I can’t possibly believe he wouldn’t have strict age gap preferences after that. I don’t fault him for not knowing she was 16, but dating a homeless 19-year-old as an established 27-year-old is still cause for concern. The author was clearly trying to paint him as a safe and sympathetic character, and while I do think he was very kind-hearted, I never stopped feeling uneasy while reading about their relationship.

I personally wanted a lot more focus on the songwriting and performing aspects of April’s life, but that’s a me problem because I myself am a performer. I also found the Asheville section of the book to be rushed, which lessened the emotional payoff of her bond with Ethan and Robert. The way that everyone came back together in Ithaca felt a little *too* serendipitous, but it was sweet.

All this criticism aside, I did really enjoy April's unique narrative voice, the present tense first person narration, and the loving way in which the loose ends were tied.

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reid23's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

new favorite book. it sounds so cheesy to say, but it literally made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. it felt like a privilege to be inside April’s mind and accompany her on her journeys. this is a beautiful read and i highly recommend it to those who have ever been in search of meaning and love.

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erinwolf1997's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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katyannreads's review against another edition

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emotional reflective

4.5

“We have the people we get to keep, who won’t ever let us go. And that’s the most important part.”

WOW this book was good. It’s not the typical genre I read, but I am glad I picked it up. An amazing story of healing from relational trauma and creating your own family. A girl going through life just wanting to matter.

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