This Family

LoveReading Says

Elegant, intimate, and told over the course of a single summer’s day, Kate Sawyer’s This Family is heart-achingly engaging, with a chorus of voices contributing to its magic.

It’s Mary’s wedding day and, after a long time apart, all her children have gathered in the house they grew up in. With the warm glow of nostalgia, reminiscences and love flecked with anger, regret and grief, the rhythmic pace has an enchanting effect. Immensely moving, and true-to-life messy, Sawyer’s writing conjures that unique, aching feeling of being part of a quietly momentous occasion. 

After becoming utterly invested in every nuance of the characters’ lives and relationships, effectively given a seat at their kitchen table, leaving their company will most likely leave you feeling bereft, but also enriched and all the wiser for having met them. Beautiful and bittersweet, This Family is a dazzler.

Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen’s lifelong love of reading and writing began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, and very much wished that witches (and Mrs Pepperpot) were real.
More reviews by Joanne Owen

About This Family

Readers are loving This Family:'The characters were believable, endearing and the story of a true-to-life dysfunctional family' Reader review ?????'Takes us on a journey that is both complex and engaging. I enjoyed it immensely' Reader review ?????'All the characters are distinct, sensitively depicted and feel so very real' Reader review ????? 'This novel is phenomenal' Reader review ?????'Intriguing, gripping, moving' MARIAN KEYES'A multi-layered family drama that sings with emotion' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'A smart yet tender page-turner' ERIN KELLYMary has raised a family in this house. She's watched her daughters play and laugh and bicker in its rooms. And now, on a late summer's day, she's getting married here . . . and has summoned her fractured family to celebrate.In the place that's been a sanctuary for some and a battleground for others, the long-awaited reunion unfolds. But as each guest's memories, secrets and tensions rise to the surface, can the festivities help mend broken bonds and heal bruised hearts, or are some things impossible to forgive - even when it's family?

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