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The Family Upstairs - Lisa Jewell

34 replies

Enjoyingreading · 17/06/2022 18:23

I've just finished this one. Has anyone read it? What did you think?

There's a sequel coming out in August.

OP posts:
GetHappy · 18/06/2022 22:43

Loved it, I’ve also been very lucky and got a review copy of The Family Remains and it doesn’t disappoint!

Abracadabra12345 · 06/07/2022 20:47

I’ve only just started reading Lisa Jewell so it’s good to hear

syblepurdy · 18/07/2022 09:52

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell was one of my favorites so far this year. I've read several of her other books, and for me, this one is the best yet. I devoured the book in two chunks, one larger read in the afternoon and the other shortly before bed. I couldn't fall asleep for at least an hour as my mind continued to process everything that had happened in the complicated and messy (in a good way) tale.
soundcloud downloader🍄

MissBattleaxe · 18/07/2022 09:55

Lisa Jewell is by far my favourite author and I loved The Family Upstairs. Because I'm on Netgalley I also received an early Kindle copy of the sequel and it was brilliant.

Hellsbe · 18/07/2022 10:00

Loved this book. My dd has just finished it and loved it as well. Excited there’s a sequel. Didn’t know this.

MissBattleaxe · 18/07/2022 10:02

The Family Remains follows the story of the children after they left. Really gripping.

Hellsbe · 18/07/2022 10:31

Ooo can’t wait!

Schooldil3ma · 18/07/2022 13:04

Loved it, I usually love her books but I've got The House We Grew up in and it's like wading through tar ...maybe it's just too hot for reading

longtompot · 19/07/2022 18:25

It sounds an interesting book. I recognised her name and see she wrote Ralph's Party, which I loved, so this genre is very different to that.

MrsPear · 19/07/2022 18:33

Ah I saw this is in Sainsbury’s ! Glad to see that it’s a good read - one for my holiday.

rosegoldwatcher · 21/07/2022 17:31

The Family Remains is available in Kindle format from Amazon - £9.99!

I'm re-reading The Family Upstairs and will buy the sequel when its price is more reasonable!

LydiaBennetsUglyBonnet · 22/07/2022 10:41

Schooldil3ma · 18/07/2022 13:04

Loved it, I usually love her books but I've got The House We Grew up in and it's like wading through tar ...maybe it's just too hot for reading

I absolutely love Lisa Jewell, and the Family Upstairs is my favourite book. Can’t wait to read the sequel which arrives yesterday in the post.

However I find Jewell’s books are either genius or terrible. The House We Grew Up in was abysmal. I kept checking I had the right author. Nothing happens! Girl Missing is even worse.

skippy67 · 22/07/2022 12:29

Finished it this week. Loved it and so excited there's a sitwell sequel!

rosegoldwatcher · 22/07/2022 19:49

Just completed my re read and it was every bit as menacing as I had remembered.
It would make an excellent TV series, I think.

Just about to read the sample chapters of the sequel.

Izzabellasasperella · 07/08/2022 07:11

However I find Jewell’s books are either genius or terrible. The House We Grew Up in was abysmal. I kept checking I had the right author. Nothing happens!

I've just finished that one on audible. I really enjoyed it (apart from the occasional dodgy accent from the narratorSmile) I thought the way the family fractured and the reasons behind it very engaging. The emails to Jim made me cry.
Can anyone recommend a similar author?

Clawdy · 07/08/2022 08:34

I want to read the sequel but can't remember what happens at the end of The Family Upstairs! Can someone fill me in, I've forgotten most of the storyline.

MissBattleaxe · 11/08/2022 02:06

@Clawdy if you had a recap of the plot maybe it would spoil things for those who haven't read it yet or read it recently

autienotnaughty · 11/08/2022 03:36

Izzabellasasperella · 07/08/2022 07:11

However I find Jewell’s books are either genius or terrible. The House We Grew Up in was abysmal. I kept checking I had the right author. Nothing happens!

I've just finished that one on audible. I really enjoyed it (apart from the occasional dodgy accent from the narratorSmile) I thought the way the family fractured and the reasons behind it very engaging. The emails to Jim made me cry.
Can anyone recommend a similar author?

I agree jewel is hit and Miss, similar authors -
Claire Mackintosh
Heidi perks
Adele parks
Lesley Kara
Lucy foley
T m Logan
Phoebe Morgan
Shari Lapena

autienotnaughty · 11/08/2022 03:37

I liked the family upstairs although it was a bit depressing. I enjoyed The family remains much more.

MissCalamity · 11/08/2022 18:53

I've just re-read the Family Upstairs as I want to buy the Family remains for my holiday and couldn't quite remember how things ended.
It took me about 2 days to read it!

Emeraldopal · 12/08/2022 09:16

I wasn’t desperately keen on Family Upstairs. I did like Then She Was Gone. I liked The House We Grew Up In but the endless shagging of other peoples husbands / girlfriends / whoever stretched plausibility. Would have been so much better just focusing on the hoarding.

Antarcticant · 12/08/2022 09:17

I didn't think it was one of her better ones. I liked The House We Grew Up In, though.

BusySittingDown · 12/08/2022 09:23

I saw this in the supermarket! I'm looking forward to reading it.

I like Lisa Jewell, I liked The House We Grew Up In but the ending was a bit of an anticlimax from what I remember. It's been a while since I read it.

WhoWants2Know · 22/08/2022 07:17

I picked this one up because of this thread and read it almost in one sitting. Great read.

Lozzerbmc · 29/08/2022 08:29

I loved the Family Upstairs and was thrilled at the airport going on holiday to see the Family Remains which I ready in about three days. It didnt disappoint! Was wonderful to know what happened afterwards!