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A review by annie_brewer
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.25
Not quite a thriller, more twisted family drama?
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Confinement, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Drug use
Minor: Animal death, Pedophilia, Miscarriage, and Murder