Stovell has done it again! After the triumph that was Other Parents (which I adored) I was a little nervous to read Every Happy Family, but I was a fool to worry. Every Happy Family is equally stunning, if not better in my opinion, then again, getting me to pick a favourite book is essentially asking what the last book I read was.

I'm struggling to put into words how much I enjoyed Every Happy Family, but I hope I've done it justice.

I am absolutely blown away at how such a simple subject, one family, can have such hidden depths and dramas.
This tale pulls no punches, unafraid to get stuck in and confront the harder topics such as alcoholism, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy and (accidental) drug overdose just to name a few.

Every character has their place with no filler or unnecessary page filling, plus I found each and every character and interaction felt genuine and believable. I just about remember what being a teenager in love felt like, I was particularly impressed at how the intensity and all consuming nature was perfectly captured between Nora and Owen.

To do so much with such a tight cast of characters, without repetition or falling into tired patterns is a real triumph.

Thank you for the advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this book and I believe it may be my introduction to this author, I could not actually put it down.
Really well put together, really well written and I found the characters likeable, who doesn't love a book about a dysfunctional family. Family life laid bare with all its ups and downs.

Highly recommended

Every Happy Family is a well written domestic drama.
A bit of a slow burner but overall an enjoyable read.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Are all families dysfunctional? Bert thinks that might be the case. He and his wife Minnie are delighted their three children will finally be together under one roof as it’s been a decade since that last happened. They are especially pleased since it’s Christmas, a season Minnie embraces fully. Or is that full on???! There is Lizzie who alarms them with what they consider her “hippie ways“ but Minnie is glad she’s off the alcohol though apparently mulled wine does not count!! Jess their youngest daughter who is married to Anna is struggling and juggling with a newborn and an active toddler. However, it’s son Owen who has the capacity to cause incendiary chaos especially since he’s not been home from Australia in 10 years. It all dates back to when he’s 18 and dating Nora Skelly who it transpires is also back home after many years of working abroad. As Jess’s daughter Ruby asks “are all families mad or just ours?“ though all Minnie wants is a perfect Christmas around the dinner table.

This is a compelling domestic drama in which past and present are on a collision course with unpredictable results. It is very well written and an intense slow burner as you find yourself immersed in their lives wanting the best for them but fearing the worst. I love the tone at the start which is really funny especially from the perspectives of Lizzie and Minnie but you grow to appreciate this is a family that has damage and there is papering over of cracks. A few bombshell revelations drop into the storytelling and then things take a different direction.

The characterisation is excellent and though you appreciate they all have issues they are a very likeable family. Sure there is damage, pain and suffering in the past and from life experiences in this snapshot of a family over time but they’re still standing and surviving. The issues covered here are wide and diverse and some are very identifiable. It builds well and arrives at a good destination at the end.

Sarah Stovell takes us on a real journey in her latest book and if you like a family drama then this is for you.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Well-written, with believable and likeable characters, it is a real picture of family life with all its ups and downs. It even made me feel better about my own family! I would definitely recommend this book.

Utterly delighted to get a chance to read this domestic drama/satire by this talented author! Nothing is quite as much fun to read about as a good old dysfunctional family!

Thank you to Netgalley for early access to this book. Messy family drama, I liked the ending of the book. It redeemed the reading experience for me.