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A review by laurenjade_
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
Firstly, I don't think this is correctly listed as a thriller - to me, it wasn't particularly thrilling, nothing really unexpected happens and the twists aren't all that exciting.
Secondly, I really wanted to like this book! It was our Thriller book club pick for the month and I had high hopes based on a lot of the really positive reviews I've seen for it. It just didn't hit the spot for me, I'm afraid.
The book is fairly easy to read but I was so confused with the POVs initially. I think the two third-person POVs mixed with a first-person POV recalling the past was just unnecessary. I feel like it's overcomplicating what is actually a fairly straightforward story?
I didn't feel connected to any of the characters; didn't feel compelled to find out more about what happened. I really hoped to be rooting for the main character, Libby, but I just didn't. I found the characters all quite lacklustre and 2D.
The story has some good ideas throughout but I just found it poorly executed. It was okay as a quick read but I'm not sure I'd read anything by this author again.
Secondly, I really wanted to like this book! It was our Thriller book club pick for the month and I had high hopes based on a lot of the really positive reviews I've seen for it. It just didn't hit the spot for me, I'm afraid.
The book is fairly easy to read but I was so confused with the POVs initially. I think the two third-person POVs mixed with a first-person POV recalling the past was just unnecessary. I feel like it's overcomplicating what is actually a fairly straightforward story?
I didn't feel connected to any of the characters; didn't feel compelled to find out more about what happened. I really hoped to be rooting for the main character, Libby, but I just didn't. I found the characters all quite lacklustre and 2D.
The story has some good ideas throughout but I just found it poorly executed. It was okay as a quick read but I'm not sure I'd read anything by this author again.