59 pages • 1 hour read
The People We Keep
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Small towns, New York • 1990s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The People We Keep follows 16-year-old April Sawicki, who lives in Little River, New York, in 1994. After a tumultuous home life and a strained relationship with her father, she runs away, seeking a fresh start. April navigates relationships, personal struggles, and her pursuit of a music career, ultimately finding solace in the chosen family she builds along her journey. The novel includes discussions of sexual violence, child abandonment, abuse, drug use, and anti-gay prejudice.
Melancholic
Emotional
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
103,069 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Allison Larkin's The People We Keep is lauded for its poignant storytelling and relatable protagonist. Reviewers praise its heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and resilience. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and feel certain plot elements are predictable. Overall, it's appreciated for its emotional depth and lyrical prose.
Who Should Read The People We Keep?
Potential readers who would enjoy The People We Keep by Allison Larkin are fans of heartfelt, coming-of-age stories. This novel will appeal to those who appreciated the emotional journeys in books like Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. These readers savor richly drawn characters and poignant transformations.
103,069 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Margo
Margo
April’s father’s ex-girlfriend who becomes a nurturing figure in April’s life, offering her support and guidance throughout her journey.
Carly
Carly
April’s first true platonic friend, who works with her at a cafe in Ithaca and remains supportive during pivotal moments in April’s life.
Ethan
Ethan
A friend April makes who shares her experience of coping with past trauma, providing emotional support and companionship through their shared artistic expression.
Adam
Adam
April’s first romantic relationship after Matty, which offers her some stability and warmth despite their differences in age and emotional development.
Justin
Justin
A brief romantic interest of April whose privileged background contrasts with her own, highlighting their differing experiences and perspectives.
384
Novel • Fiction
Small towns, New York • 1990s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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