The Family Upstairs | Book Review | 2019 | Lisa Jewell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Jewell is a British author known for her compelling, suspenseful novels. Born in London, Jewell worked in the fashion industry before transitioning to writing full-time. She gained widespread recognition with her debut novel, Ralph’s Party. Published in 1999, the book became an instant bestseller. She has since authored numerous other successful novels, often exploring themes of family dynamics, relationships, and secrets. Her writing style is characterized by richly drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and emotional depth. Jewell’s works, including The Family Upstairs and Then She Was Gone, have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted readership. This has solidified her reputation as a master storyteller in the thriller and suspense genres.

SYNOPSIS

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell is a riveting psychological thriller that intricately dissects the lives of three individuals entangled in a web of secrets and betrayal.

On her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones receives an unexpected inheritance: a grand mansion in Chelsea, London, left to her by her birth parents. As Libby delves into her newfound wealth and identity, she uncovers unsettling details about her past. This includes a mysterious suicide note and the shocking discovery of a baby that is still alive amidst the mortal remains of two adults.

The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Libby, Henry Lamb, and Lucy Lamb, revealing their complex histories and the dark events that led to the mansion’s ominous abandonment. Libby’s journey to unearth the truth thrusts her into a perilous confrontation with the mansion’s former occupants. In doing so, she comes face-to-face with the secrets they have long sought to conceal.

Against the backdrop of the Lamb family’s enigmatic cult-like dynamics, Jewell skillfully explores themes of identity, manipulation, and the enduring power of familial bonds. As Libby unravels layer upon layer of deception, she encounters chilling revelations and unexpected twists. These discoveries challenge everything she thought she knew about her past.

As the mystery intensifies, Jewell delivers a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the dark undercurrents that lurk beneath seemingly ordinary lives. The Family Upstairs is a mesmerizing thriller that lingers in the mind long after the readers have turned the final page, inviting them to stand up to the dark shadows that dwell within us all.

WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS

Jewell’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story itself is a fine blend of buried secrets, fractured identities, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Through its gripping plot and deeply flawed yet compelling characters, The Family Upstairs captivates readers with its thrilling backdrop and suspenseful narrative. By the time they have put the book down, they find themselves questioning the boundaries between truth and illusion. The plot keeps readers guessing until the very end. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, creating layers of suspense and mystery as the story progresses. Each revelation adds depth to the story line, ensuring that readers remain invested in uncovering the truth of the mansion’s dark secrets.

Secondly, the characters in The Family Upstairs are brilliantly developed and deeply flawed. Their presence makes the story much more realistic. From the enigmatic Libby Jones to the troubled members of the Lamb family, each character is imbued with complexity and nuance.

Another highlight of the novel is the author’s bold exploration of thought-provoking themes. This isn’t a one-off thing, either – it happens pretty much throughout the novel. From the corrosive effects of family secrets to the lasting power of identity and belonging, the book delves deep into the complexities of human relationships. It also presents a scary picture of the lengths people will go to to safeguard their interests.

Jewell’s vibrant writing style brings the setting of Chelsea, London, to life. This further enriches readers’ experience of the mansion’s eerie ambience and its surroundings. The palpable tension adds to the novel’s nail-biting backdrop, keeping readers hooked to the very last page.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS

While The Family Upstairs is a gripping psychological thriller with many upsides, there are a few areas that leave a lot to be desired.

First off, the novel’s pace is somewhat uneven. While the story has its fair share of cliffhangers and twists, there are the times when the momentum slows down. This is more apparent during the exposition-heavy sections. A better-paced narrative in those areas could have helped keep up the tension and engagement throughout the novel.

Another downside of the novel is that certain threads may leave readers wanting more closure. While the main mystery reaches a satisfactory conclusion, there are plenty of subplots and character arcs that feel a bit unresolved in the end. A bit more clarity or closure for these elements could have made for a better reading experience.

Thirdly, some readers may find the overall characterization somewhat lacking in depth. While the main characters are well developed and compelling, the supporting cast has a one-dimensional feel to it. Making these characters more life-like could have helped boost the book’s emotional impact.

Lastly, while the novel’s ethereal background adds to its overall intrigue, some readers may find that its atmospheric elements occasionally overshadow the plot. Balancing these elements with the narrative could have helped sustain a stronger sense of cohesion throughout the novel.

QUOTES

‘All men are weak,’ said Phin.
‘That’s the whole bloody trouble with the world. Too weak to love properly. Too weak to be wrong.’

Five minutes ago her joys in life had been small, anticipated, longed-for, hard-earned and saved-up-for, inconsequential little splurges that meant nothing in the scheme of things but gave the flat surface of her life enough sparkles to make it worth getting out of bed every morning to go and do a job which she liked but didn’t love.

CONCLUSION