The People We Keep follows 16-year-old April Sawicki, who lives in Little River, New York, in 1994. After a tumultuous home life and a strained relationship with her father, she runs away, seeking a fresh start. April navigates relationships, personal struggles, and her pursuit of a music career, ultimately finding solace in the chosen family she builds along her journey. The novel includes discussions of sexual violence, child abandonment, abuse, drug use, and anti-gay prejudice.

Allison Larkin's The People We Keep is lauded for its poignant storytelling and relatable protagonist. Reviewers praise its heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and resilience. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and feel certain plot elements are predictable. Overall, it's appreciated for its emotional depth and lyrical prose.

Potential readers who would enjoy The People We Keep by Allison Larkin are fans of heartfelt, coming-of-age stories. This novel will appeal to those who appreciated the emotional journeys in books like Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. These readers savor richly drawn characters and poignant transformations.

Melancholic / Emotional / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Hopeful

- Allison Larkin's novel, The People We Keep, was notably a semifinalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards in 2021 for the Best Fiction category.
- The book's setting, Little River, New York, draws inspiration from a real location in upstate New York, enhancing the novel's authentic small-town atmosphere.
- The People We Keep has been praised for its evocative depiction of the 1990s, complete with cultural references that enhance its nostalgic appeal.

**April**  
The protagonist and narrator who embarks on a journey in search of a sense of home and belonging, shaped by her experiences in a small town and her life on the road.

**Margo**  
April’s father’s ex-girlfriend who becomes a nurturing figure in April’s life, offering her support and guidance throughout her journey.

**Carly**  
April’s first true platonic friend, who works with her at a cafe in Ithaca and remains supportive during pivotal moments in April’s life.

**Ethan**  
A friend April makes who shares her experience of coping with past trauma, providing emotional support and companionship through their shared artistic expression.

**Adam**  
April’s first romantic relationship after Matty, which offers her some stability and warmth despite their differences in age and emotional development.

**Justin**  
A brief romantic interest of April whose privileged background contrasts with her own, highlighting their differing experiences and perspectives.

Allison Larkin

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The People We Keep Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-31

The People We Keep Part 1, Chapters 7-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “On the Road”

Part 2, Chapters 32-41

The People We Keep Part 2, Chapters 32-41 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 42-59

The People We Keep Part 2, Chapters 42-59 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The People We Keep Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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The People We Keep Character Analysis

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The People We Keep

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