A Friend of the Family

A book about the lives of the London family and a mysterious 'friend of the family' who comes to stay with them, thereby revealing psychic powers. I think the 'friend of the family' is really a metaphor for the family finding their own path in life, and the book is a tightly-paced read as we go through each of the London boy's minds until they discover what they really want. I had high hopes for this book but I found it ended on a sick-makingly cute and Mary Poppins-type note. Didn't really explore any issues in depth (such as men who don't want children; workaholics who wonder where their life is going etc) and all in all I found it depressing. But maybe I was expecting too much from a book which is designed to be a light, chick-lit show more romance. show less

I found this to be very different from Lisa Jewell’s more recent books. That’s not a bad thing, it was just very different. I didn’t realize at first it was released in 2004, which could have something to do with the difference in writing and style and even subject matter.
Overall, it was very enjoyable and I even laughed out loud a few times, which is always nice. Apparently I liked it so much I even listened to the audiobook at a later date. I think the audiobook made it much more real and enjoyable.

In this book, three brothers are the main characters. The youngest has returned home from Australia, the middle has just had his first book published with great success but he's battling to write a second and has unexpected news from his girlfriend, while the eldest brother is quietly frustrated with his own life. A new lodger in their parent's house has the ability to sense their inner conflicts. He's eccentric and humble and encourages them to face their issues.

This was a leisurely read. The author has done well with depicting three male perspectives. There are a few chapters towards the end that are the most dramatic. On the whole, the dialogue is shiny and fun. The ladies in the book and the lodger do add colour. It is a sweet book, show more mixed with some sharp observations and might appeal to both genders, similar in the way Mike Gayle's books do. show less

very funny, light read