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anissawren's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Confinement, Murder, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Torture, Drug use, and Death
Moderate: Infertility, Adult/minor relationship, and Pregnancy
gloomiko's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Domestic abuse, and Drug use
drstauffer918's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Drug use, Rape, Child abuse, Death of parent, Death, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, and Murder
cheesy_reader_77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
***SPOILERS***
The book lost points when the author decided to write the gay character as the stereotypical gay villain with the heart broken trope. The book was called the family upstairs but it was more “family comes in and takes over a whole house super easily” the title didnt really do the book justice.
In all honesty, this book was a disappointment. The author set up great plot twists and opportunities for something to happen many times and it just fell flat. It felt like when a roller coaster goes up the hill clicking and then it just never really drops. The book could have also benefited from having less characters and having actual character development or get deeper with some characters as it leaves you wondering a lot. Overall, it was interesting while we were reading it but it is not a book that will stay with us, its not a book that we would think about really ever or we will talk about, it left little to no impression.
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Rape
bex2271's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death of parent, Child death, and Death
hp62442's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Eating disorder, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Miscarriage
alymccaskill's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Death, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Physical abuse and Emotional abuse
ycboots's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Murder, and Child abuse
Moderate: Miscarriage and Drug use
mynameisrebecca's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Blood, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Ableism, and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicide attempt, Homophobia, and Suicide
annie_brewer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This one felt very confusing at the start with mulitple POV/timelines and so many characters, but once the dynamics within the families were explained a bit further it was possible to identify the characters and where they fitted into the story.
This was a very quick read, and I was continously seeking out how all the characters fitted into the main story, but the book felt unbalanced in that the past was much more interesting than the present storyline.
The 'cult/commune' style of the familes living situation was fascinatingly laid out and the perceptions of the kids during these events was so well written, which to the reader (and some characters) were obvious indications the slow indoctrination of the parents into submission.
Henry was a very interesting narrator. The oscilation between story-telling and correcting the others narratives was so well done via audiobook I got an intense understanding his true personality. I felt uncomfortable with how persistent he was to romance Phinn, but I would consider this behaviour due to his dysfunctional childhood, however some may have an issue with the gay character being presented as creepy and obsessive.
Other than Henry, Lucy returning to London to see The Baby felt like an unimportant story and Libby was a very unremarkable character that was too nice and trusting.
I didn't know there was a sequel until seeing another review, but I do really want to know what else could possibly be added into this family tragedy on top of an (unneccesary) drug trip, dispicable abuses, domineering control, and murder.
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Confinement, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Drug use
Minor: Animal death, Pedophilia, Miscarriage, and Murder