Book Review: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

Book Review: The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell is the author to watch in the coming years and like her other works, The Family Upstairs did not disappoint. This book is like Flowers in the Attic meets the Jonestown cult- but in London. Jewell's story uncovers a dark family history, chapter by chapter, as told by the three main characters.

You're introduced to three characters with very different lives. One, a young boy retelling the twisted tale of his family history. Another is a poor single mother of two with a dark past, living on the streets with her small children. The third is a young woman who has just inherited a gothic mansion from birthparents she never knew. The story hints at a sinister turn when one of the characters receives an alert on her phone that says 'the baby is twenty-five.'

This thrilling and imaginative novel was hard to put down. I found myself connecting to the characters- even as their dark secrets were revealed- and desperate to find out what happened in that dark, abandoned mansion all those years ago. I was in bed, still awake close to midnight telling myself 'just one more chapter.'

When the ending finally divulged the truth about the family upstairs, a truth that left so many warped, darkened, and dead, I was left wanting more. And I might just get more because I suspect there is more of this story to tell. Jewell has proven herself once again to be an incredible author who can write a book that is gripping, unexpected, and easy to read. 

Check out the books on my Summer Reading List!
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