We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

About the book

Blurb from Penguin Random House SA 

Lila Kennedy has a lot on her plate. A recently broken marriage, two wayward daughters, a house that is falling apart, and an elderly stepfather who seems to have quietly moved in. Not to mention a once promising writing career that is now in freefall. So when her real dad – a man she has barely seen since he ran off to Hollywood thirty-five years ago – suddenly appears on her doorstep wanting to make amends, it feels like the final straw.

But it turns out even the family you thought you could never forgive might have something to teach you: about love, friendship, and what it actually means to be family.

ISBN 9780241415528

Format Trade Paperback

Recommended Price R390.00

Published February 2025

My Thoughts

In “We All Live Here”, Jojo Moyes introduces us to Lila, a 42-year-old divorcée navigating life with her two daughters and a cast of eclectic family members. The plot is light, focusing more on character development and the intricate dynamics of Lila’s unconventional family. As Lila juggles the chaos of her personal life—dealing with loss, new romances, and family drama—she embodies resilience and the quest for self-discovery. The novel follows the everyday ups and downs of her life, providing a heartfelt exploration of family, forgiveness, and acceptance.

Themes

1. Family and Relationships: The novel delves into the complexities of familial bonds, capturing the love, tension, and quirks that define Lila’s relationships with her daughters, stepdads, and estranged father.
2. Loss and Grief: Lila’s journey is marked by the loss of her mother and the emotional struggle of navigating life after such a profound loss.
3. Forgiveness and Acceptance: Central to the narrative is the theme of forgiveness—both of others and oneself—and the acceptance of life’s imperfections.
4. Self-Discovery and Resilience: Lila’s character arc highlights the importance of self-discovery and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
5. Humour and Heart: Moyes infuses the story with humour and warmth, making the characters relatable and the narrative engaging.

What Worked for the Book

• Character Development: The strength of this novel lies in its well-developed and genuine characters. Each character, from Lila to her endearing grandpa Gene, is brought to life with depth and charm.

• Emotional Resonance: Moyes masterfully captures the emotional highs and lows of everyday family life, making the story both heartwarming and relatable.

• Humorous and Heartfelt Moments: The blend of humour and heartfelt moments creates a balanced and engaging narrative that keeps readers invested.

• Realistic Portrayal of Family Dynamics: The novel’s portrayal of family dynamics is authentic, capturing the messy, beautiful reality of familial relationships.

Who May Enjoy This Book

• Fans of Jojo Moyes’ previous works, who appreciate her talent for character-driven stories and emotional depth.

• Readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with strong, relatable characters and realistic portrayals of family life.

• Anyone looking for a feel-good, heartwarming read that tackles themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and personal growth.

Conclusion

“We All Live Here” by Jojo Moyes is a beautifully written novel that offers a touching exploration of family, love, and resilience. While the plot may be light, the richness of the characters and their emotional journeys make it a compelling and satisfying read. Moyes’ ability to craft memorable, flawed, and wonderfully human characters ensures that readers will be invested in Lila’s story from beginning to end. This novel is a testament to Moyes’ skill as a storyteller, providing both comfort and a warm hug in literary form.

Read an extract: Extract: We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes Penguin Random House South Africa

Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read this book.

About the author:

Home – JoJo Moyes