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A review by lizwarnerr
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Libby inherits a house from her dead parents when she turns 25, and learns her dead parents died of a suicide pact while they were in a cult.
The plot was very intriguing at first — I was interested to learn about the cult, why it happened, etc. I appreciated the twists and turns. But the multiple POVs, different time eras, and multiple characters left me confused and a very slow burn.
The cult thing really kept me in for the long haul and then it was just disturbing (as most cults are). IMO, the ending made the entire book be worthless. It made me wondering “so what?” I appreciate that everything was wrapped up neatly with a bow, but why were they (specifically Henry) anxiously waiting her return if not to kill her and get the house? I feel like Henry had some vengeance he wanted from Phin, and that is why he lured her back to the house, tracked her, etc.
I am going to read the second book solely bc I am very interested in the spin off, and this one definitely had me want to keep reading — I’m just disappointed at how it wrapped up, and it was a bit too confusing to follow, which is why it gets 3 stars.
The plot was very intriguing at first — I was interested to learn about the cult, why it happened, etc. I appreciated the twists and turns. But the multiple POVs, different time eras, and multiple characters left me confused and a very slow burn.
The cult thing really kept me in for the long haul and then it was just disturbing (as most cults are). IMO, the ending made the entire book be worthless. It made me wondering “so what?” I appreciate that everything was wrapped up neatly with a bow, but why were they (specifically Henry) anxiously waiting her return if not to kill her and get the house? I feel like Henry had some vengeance he wanted from Phin, and that is why he lured her back to the house, tracked her, etc.
I am going to read the second book solely bc I am very interested in the spin off, and this one definitely had me want to keep reading — I’m just disappointed at how it wrapped up, and it was a bit too confusing to follow, which is why it gets 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Abandonment, Miscarriage, Murder, Suicide, and Rape