Reviews

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

Only show reviews with written explanations

lola113's review against another edition

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3.0

2.5 rounded. The last few pages were infuriating!

matcarrot's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.75

avadawson08's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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? Yes

2.0

What even..? This is essentially about a Family becoming a cult over the course of 2 years, an abandoned baby, and a homeless family.

Ngl I thought about dnfing multiple times but since I was listening on audio I just pushed through. That ending was kinda disappointing so honestly wish I didn’t, however there is a sequel which could be fun.

Didn’t have a connection to any characters, however the mother and her kids pov was my favourite.

*Spoilers*

- While I don’t condone Henry’s actions, I can see why his fucked up life made him into the man he became.

- Also felt like Lucy having a baby with Phin was so random and get thrown in to tie up loose ends/ create a longer book.

niamh23cos's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious

3.75

emilym99's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I enjoyed reading this book. The different points of views and time lines were interesting. The ending fell a bit flat. So much tension and mystery throughout the novel to finish with and they all lived happily wver after.

kinzo103's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I read the second book in this duology first because I was told they could be read as standalones… they cannot. I was really disappointed with how the second book ended so I read the first to see if it would change my thoughts. It didn’t really, but I still enjoyed this book. It reads as a dark drama more than a thriller, but it’s still a very interesting look into a descent into cult life.