A Friend of the Family

By: Lisa Jewell

Narrated by: Helen Duff

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Brothers Tony, Sean, and Ned had the perfect upbringing, but now that they are grown-up, real life is starting to get in the way. Tony’s dealing with divorce and a weight problem, novelist Sean is up against a serious case of writer’s block and a shock announcement from his “perfect” new girlfriend, and their parents have a new lodger, Gervase. Why is Bernie, their mother, so keen to give this unsavory waif a home? And what is the real reason for kid brother Ned’s surprise return from his travels in Australia?

©2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Such a great book

I loved these characters! I didn’t want this book to end!! A must read! Easy to read. A feel good book!

Surprisingly good

So, honestly, I’ve read a lot of Lisa Jewell- that is, I read two books and have listened to audiobooks since (busy busy). Well, I was only reading thrillers and mysteries. So I saw that Helen Duff narrated this book (best narrater ever, seriously) and I just bought it without even looking at it.

Then I found out 1/4 through that this is in fact, not a thriller or mystery. I continued listening anyway because, as I mentioned above, Helen Duff is amazing, and I paid a lot of money for this audiobook.

In the end, I enjoyed this story. I don’t even like this type of genre… idk drama/family fiction or whatever it is. But I thought this book had some solid storylines that were both believable and interesting. I cannot say that this turned me on to this type of genre, but I can say I’d recommend this to anyone.



Helen Duff is phenomenal, and she is the only narrater that can just switch between several characters without the book specifying who is talking and I’d know which characters they are. She has a different voice for everyone, and it matches exactly who I’d imagine from the character description. I may just buy anything she narrates and continue to ignore the genre now.

Lacking

I’ve read several of Lisa Jewell’s books and have enjoyed them until this one. I didn’t feel like this book ever truly tied the story together.

Great story

I loved this book! such a welcome departure from the psycho female dumb motive revenge porn I've unwittingly been listening to of late. This is a heartwarming tale about the complexities of family, friendship, relationships, and siblings. I found it touching, at times amusing, at times angering. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life. I hated the oldest brother throughout, I found him to be a selfish, insufferable know it all, but I loved the dynamics between the brothers. Well worth a listen.

A friend of the family

I enjoyed this book very much. It wasn’t at all what I expected and was pleasantly surprised. Every time I listen to a Lisa Jewell book I wonder why I don’t listen to her more often. I’ll be on the hunt for another very soon though.

Love

I absolutely love Lisa Jewell! This book made me cry, feel loved, feel angry and it was overall a “page turner”.

Mary Poppins?

Have about 10 Lisa Jewel books, some print and some audio. Love her work. This book however had such a simple premise, making it hard to really get involved. All I could think about though the story was Mary Poppins for adults. If you’re looking for a light read this is perfect, otherwise y would choose a different book by the same author.

Glad it was on sale.

I bought this book because it was on sale and a Lisa Jewell book. I enjoyed the previous three, but this one not very much. I had to urge myself to finish it, and although the last hour was interesting, not great, but interesting...the rest was just rather boring. I really did not like most of the characters nor care about them. The narrator was ok. I think it would have been better with both a male and female narrator as Helen Duff had too many people to voice. Don't know what else to say other than I think there are many other books waiting to be heard.

Nice read

I liked this book. It was light and an easy listen. I’m happy with the ending as well.

Family Bonds

I loved the characters and the story line. The character of Gervais was very quirky and seemed shifty. The issues that arose with the brothers personally and as a group were very realistic. I have four siblings and there are often things that are unresolved and will rise up occasionally.

I love the straightforward style of Lisa Jewell and enjoy her books. I highly recommend this book.