The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that captivates readers with its intricate plot and suspenseful narrative. Reviewers praise its well-drawn characters and unexpected twists, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling read that keeps you guessing until the end.

Readers who enjoy suspenseful and twisty domestic thrillers will be captivated by Lisa Jewell's The Family Upstairs. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train will appreciate the dark, intricate plot and the psychological depth of Jewell's characters. Suitable for those who enjoy unraveling family secrets and layered mysteries.

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell follows Libby, who inherits a mansion in Chelsea, and as she delves into its dark history, she uncovers her biological family's past intertwined with cult activities. The narrative alternates between Libby's present-day discoveries, Lucy's life as an adult, and Henry's memories of growing up in the mansion, revealing the sinister events that transpired there. The book contains depictions of abuse.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Unnerving / Emotional

Lisa Jewell

Adult

Novel

The Family Upstairs

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Family Upstairs reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Family Upstairs | SuperSummary

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Overview

Discover The Family Upstairs, where a mysterious inheritance reveals twisted family secrets. Access a detailed summary and thematic analysis here.

The Family Upstairs Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 5

Get ready to explore The Family Upstairs and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Family Upstairs Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

The Family Upstairs Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-15

The Family Upstairs Part 1, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 16-20

The Family Upstairs Part 1, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 21-25

The Family Upstairs Part 1, Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 26-30

The Family Upstairs Part 1, Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 1 - Part 2

Parts 1-2, Chapters 31-35

The Family Upstairs Parts 1-2, Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, Chapters 36-40

The Family Upstairs Part 2, Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 41-45

The Family Upstairs Part 2, Chapters 41-45 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 - Part 3

Parts 2-3, Chapters 46-50

The Family Upstairs Parts 2-3, Chapters 46-50 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Part 3, Chapters 51-55

The Family Upstairs Part 3, Chapters 51-55 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 56-60

The Family Upstairs Part 3, Chapters 56-60 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 61-65

The Family Upstairs Part 3, Chapters 61-65 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Part 4, Chapters 66-69

The Family Upstairs Part 4, Chapters 66-69 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Family Upstairs Character Analysis

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Themes

The Family Upstairs Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Family Upstairs Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Family Upstairs Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Family Upstairs Essay Topics

The Family Upstairs

Before You Read

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Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Family Upstairs?

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Book Details