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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
The Family Remains didn't need to exist, but I'm very glad it does. It feels rather underwhelming compared to its prequel, The Family Upstairs: there's far less drama, fewer shocks - we already know most of its characters and their biggest secrets. But the Lambs and their associated characters are endlessly fascinating, so very well narrated by Jewell, that I think I could read about them forever.
In The Family Remains, we're introduced to a new character, not at all related to the events of Cheyne Walk. She's Rachel, Michael's wife and, despite having little to do with the Lambs, it's probably her segments I looked forward to most.
This isn't a book you'd enjoy if you haven't read The Family Upstairs. But if you have, it's such a rare treat to get a second helping of such rich, fascinating characters. A gift, almost. Is it as good as The Family Upstairs? Certainly not. But I'm still so very thankful I got to read it.
In The Family Remains, we're introduced to a new character, not at all related to the events of Cheyne Walk. She's Rachel, Michael's wife and, despite having little to do with the Lambs, it's probably her segments I looked forward to most.
This isn't a book you'd enjoy if you haven't read The Family Upstairs. But if you have, it's such a rare treat to get a second helping of such rich, fascinating characters. A gift, almost. Is it as good as The Family Upstairs? Certainly not. But I'm still so very thankful I got to read it.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Interesting characters and a well-done stand alone novel, even though it's technically a sequel to The Family Upstairs. While it may have been nice to reread the first novel before diving into this one, it's not necessary to have read The Family Upstairs to enjoy this book—though some of the more convoluted areas of the plot would likely make sense quicker if having done so. It's not poorly written, just a complex story with lots of context needed for understanding. I enjoyed reading it and think it fits well with the rest of Lisa Jewell's body of work.