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”.

It wasn't bad but it just never went anywhere

I really like a lot of Lisa Jewell's books but I find that because there are so many, they're hit and miss a lot. This one was a miss. It wasn't bad, and I was entertained enough, but it was just "meh" overall. So while I wouldn't recommend it, I also wouldn't necessarily dissuade someone from buying.
I guess it sort of reminded me of the type of book an author just churns out to hit a deadline

Feel Good Family story

I love this author and so far, after reading three of them, I am still loving her books— great stories that keep you flipping or listening without wanting to stop, til the end.
The only issue I had with this book: even though I loved the performances, I do wish a male actor would be utilized for the male roles. It is more realistic. Thank you for asking my opinion.

Brotherly Love

Such a nice book…. Enjoyed how at the end the 3 brothers made up and realized how important family ties are!!! Being part of a big family with lots of conflicts and disagreements is nice to read how love prevails…… Love it!!!

sweet story

Very sweet book. I thought it was the usual mystery and realized it was a lovely relationship connection book. Nice departure from Lisa Jewell usual genre.