64 pages 2 hours read

Lisa Jewell

The House We Grew Up In

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell is a psychological family drama about the Bird family, which appears perfect outwardly but hides deep secrets. The novel explores themes like family ties, trauma, and escape versus coming together. Lorelei, a carefree mother, becomes obsessed with hoarding after a family tragedy shatters their idyllic life. The narrative examines the family's attempts to cope with the past and seek clarity through different perspectives. This study guide discusses sensitive topics including mental health issues, suicide, incest, and sexual assault.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Lisa Jewell's The House We Grew Up In masterfully delves into family dynamics and trauma with engaging writing and well-developed characters. Positive feedback highlights its emotional depth and intricate plot. However, some find it overly dramatic and slow-paced. Overall, it's praised for its compelling exploration of complex relationships.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The House We Grew Up In?

Readers who enjoy complex family dynamics and emotional narratives will be captivated by The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell. Fans of books like Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper or Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies will find a similar appeal in Jewell's intricate storytelling and richly developed characters.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence