A review by queerafictionado
The People Next Door by Anna Woiwood

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This story was a bit different from Anna’s previous novels, but just as amazing! And like with all her other books, I didn’t want to put this one down! Anna has a way of writing these beautifully flawed, messy human beings that are easy to connect and relate to, even though I have no idea what it is like to live or be queer in the 1950s. She does a phenomenal job of pulling you into the context and time period of the story. You can picture yourself there, sitting with the characters having a drink.

I absolutely loved Madelyn. She was so just uniquely her and as the story progresses we learn more and more about her and her husband’s relationship, including their special arrangement. And as the layers get peeled back on her marriage, we also learn more about her family, her past, about what makes her who she is. It is clear from the start that she is a sexual being, but as she observes the new neighbors next door, new desires and needs get awakened inside her. 

The new neighbors are eccentric and different, free in their affections toward other people. They are intriguing and attractive and Madelyn gets pulled into their orbit in ways she can’t explain or understand. And the farther she gets pulled in the more she realizes about herself, and harder it becomes to go back to who she was before.

I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t want to share spoilers, but there are so many different people and points of awakening on Madelyn’s journey to discovering her queerness. There is also so much in this story about family relationships and there are parts that will just crack your heart open. 

If you love queer historical fiction stories with flawed and messy characters and plenty of spice - you should definitely read Anna’s books! 

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Bisexual FMC

📝Tropes/Themes: Queer Awakening, Historical Romance, Threesome, Open Relationships, Age Gap, Friends to Lovers, Strangers to Lovers 
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