Have you ever picked up a book that you just couldn’t put down, even as the clock ticked well past midnight? That’s exactly what happened to me with Lisa Jewell’s “The Family Remains.” As a writer myself, I’m always on the hunt for stories that push the boundaries of storytelling, and boy, did this one deliver.
It all started on a dreary Sunday afternoon. I was holed up in my favorite coffee shop, seeking inspiration for my next writing project, when I overheard two women at the next table raving about a book they’d just finished. Their animated discussion piqued my curiosity, and before I knew it, I was heading to the nearest bookstore, umbrella in hand, to snag a copy of “The Family Remains.”
From the moment I cracked open the spine, I was hooked. Jewell’s intricate web of interconnected stories spanning decades had me completely engrossed. The plot follows multiple narratives, including DCI Samuel Owusu investigating human remains found in the Thames, Rachel Rimmer grappling with her husband’s mysterious death in France, and the enigmatic Lucy Lamb returning to London after a 30-year absence. At first, I worried that juggling these different storylines might be confusing, but Jewell’s masterful plotting quickly put those fears to rest.
As I delved deeper into the story, I couldn’t help but admire Jewell’s ability to keep me guessing. Just when I thought I had a character figured out or predicted the direction of the plot, she’d throw in a twist that left me reeling. It reminded me of the thrill I get when crafting my own plot twists, that delicious feeling of surprising the reader. Jewell’s technique is like watching a skilled magician at work – you know there’s a trick, but you’re too captivated to care about the mechanics.
One of the aspects that truly stood out to me was Jewell’s character development. Each character feels fully realized, with their own distinct voice and motivations. I found myself particularly drawn to Lucy Lamb. Her journey from a traumatized child to a complex adult wrestling with her past resonated deeply with me. There’s a scene where Lucy reflects on her childhood experiences that left me with a lump in my throat:
“Sometimes I wonder who I might have been if things had been different. If I hadn’t seen what I saw, if I hadn’t done what I did. But then I remember – we are all shaped by our experiences, good and bad. It’s what we do with those experiences that defines us.”
This passage struck a chord with me, reminding me of my own experiences and how they’ve shaped my writing. It’s moments like these that elevate “The Family Remains” from a mere thriller to a profound exploration of human nature.
That’s not to say the book is without flaws. At times, I felt the pacing lagged, particularly in the middle section. Some of the secondary characters felt underdeveloped compared to the main cast. And while I appreciate Jewell’s attention to detail, there were moments when the descriptions became a bit too dense, slowing down the narrative momentum. As someone who often struggles with pacing in my own writing, I found myself mentally noting these sections, thinking about how I might have approached them differently.
But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar read. What truly sets this book apart is Jewell’s writing style. Her prose is crisp and evocative, with a knack for creating atmosphere. Whether she’s describing the murky waters of the Thames or the claustrophobic tension of a family dinner, her words paint vivid pictures in your mind. I found myself dog-earing pages (I know, I know, book lovers everywhere are cringing) just so I could go back and study her descriptive techniques.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “The Family Remains” is how it explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma. As I read, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences and how they’ve shaped my worldview and my writing. The book raises thought-provoking questions about nature versus nurture, the strength of family bonds, and the weight of moral responsibility. These themes lingered with me long after I finished the last page, prompting deep conversations with my writing group and even inspiring a short story of my own.
I’ll admit, I was initially hesitant about reading a sequel without having read the first book, “The Family Upstairs.” However, Jewell does an excellent job of making “The Family Remains” accessible to new readers while still rewarding fans of the first book. That said, I’m now itching to go back and read “The Family Upstairs” to fill in some of the gaps and gain a deeper appreciation for the characters’ journeys.
Would I recommend “The Family Remains”? Absolutely, and without hesitation. It’s a book that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, family dramas, and anyone who appreciates skillful storytelling. But more than that, it’s a book that challenges you to think, to question your assumptions, and to look at the world around you with fresh eyes.
As a writer, reading “The Family Remains” was both inspiring and humbling. It reminded me of the power of words to move us, to change us, and to stay with us long after we’ve turned the final page. It’s reignited my passion for storytelling and pushed me to dig deeper in my own writing, to explore the complexities of human nature with the same deftness that Jewell displays.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will keep you up late into the night, that will make you think and feel in equal measure, and that might just inspire you to pick up a pen and start writing your own story – “The Family Remains” is the book for you. Just be prepared for a wild ride – and don’t say I didn’t warn you about the twists and turns along the way. Who knows? It might just be the spark you need for your next great literary adventure.