Review of We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
There’s something about a new Jojo Moyes book that feels like coming home—comforting yet thought-provoking, with just a sprinkle of heartache to remind us of life’s complexities. We All Live Here caught my attention not just because Moyes is one of my auto-read authors. It was the promise of a story about resilience, family dynamics, and the messy, often unglamorous side of rebuilding life, especially after loss, that pulled me in. And let me tell you, it doesn’t disappoint.
Our protagonist, Lila Kennedy, is a character I felt a whirlpool of emotions for: she’s grappling with a recent divorce, trying to navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of motherhood, and dealing with the peculiarities of her new housemate—her stepfather. The weariness of her days really shines through; it’s hard not to feel her exasperation over pesky plumbing issues or the subtle rejection she faces from the other moms at school. As a woman with two almost grown daughters, Lila feels a lack of agency that’s both relatable and frustrating. I couldn’t help but root for her to find her voice amidst the chaos.
Moyes has an undeniable talent for writing accessible characters whose struggles mirror our own. But, herein lies a bit of a double-edged sword for me; Lila’s journey often felt like a balancing act of enjoyment and frustration. I found myself shaking my head more than I’d like at some of her choices—especially her romantic pursuits that seemed more like a stumble than a conscious decision. Here, Moyes effectively illustrates Lila’s vulnerability, but it left me wishing for a bit more growth from her character.
The dynamic between Lila and her estranged father, who suddenly appears after years of absence, offers a rich layer to the narrative. However, I felt this complex relationship didn’t receive enough exploration. The inclusion of chapters from Lila’s daughter Celie was an interesting twist, but ultimately, it felt more like filler than a well-integrated subplot. This left me wishing for a more focused narrative solely on Lila’s perspective.
Yet, true to Moyes’ style, the novel crescendoes beautifully towards a denouement that tied together many loose threads. The culmination of Lila’s journey, marked by an act of selfless love, felt reminiscent of the poignant moments in Me Before You, but without taking the emotional punches that left us in tears. This soaring conclusion truly made the lengthy read worthwhile, reminiscent of that feeling we get at the end of a good road trip—relieved, reflective, and a little wistful about the journey.
In every book, Moyes manages to impart a sense of home, both in the literal and figurative sense. The title We All Live Here resonates beyond the walls of Lila’s house; it speaks to our shared human experience on this Earth. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary fiction or searching for a read that encapsulates family love and personal growth amidst hardship, this book may be your next go-to.
Ultimately, will I be adding We All Live Here to my bookshelf? Absolutely. It’s a reminder of the struggles we all face in finding our place in this chaotic world—an apt reminder that even amidst life’s messiness, we can carve out our own sense of belonging. 🌍🏠
(4 stars, rounded up from 3.5)
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