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59 pages 1 hour read

The Truth According to Us

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Annie Barrows

The Truth According to Us

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

486

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • 1930s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows follows Washington socialite Layla Beck, who is sent to work for the Federal Writers' Project in Macedonia, West Virginia. While boarding with the Romeyn family, she delves into the town's vibrant history, uncovering secrets and forming connections with the residents, especially the perceptive 12-year-old Willa Romeyn. Themes of history, community, and family intertwine as long-buried truths come to light. This book includes themes of betrayal, family conflict, and a tragic accident.

Nostalgic

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.9

23,590 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Annie Barrows' The Truth According to Us showcases rich historical storytelling with endearing characters set in 1930s West Virginia. Readers appreciated the vivid depiction of small-town life and the intricate, multi-generational relationships. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally meandering. Overall, it's a nostalgic and engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Truth According to Us?

Readers who enjoy richly detailed historical novels and small-town family dynamics will be captivated by Annie Barrows' The Truth According to Us. Fans of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Kathryn Stockett's The Help will appreciate its nostalgic exploration of complex relationships and moral dilemmas.

3.9

23,590 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Willa Romeyn

Willa is a perceptive young girl transitioning from childhood into adolescence, who is deeply curious about the adult world and possesses a talent for gathering information while remaining unobtrusive.

Jottie is Willa's aunt and a devoted guardian figure, navigating her complex relationships within the small town while encouraging the young women in her life to seek their own truths.

Layla is an independent woman from a different social background, whose historical research brings her to the town and whose personal journey involves finding an authentic narrative voice.

Felix is Willa's enigmatic father, known for his charm and rebellious nature, who navigates the fringes of society while grappling with deep personal secrets.

Sol is a businessman who interacts with the Romeyn family and plays a significant role in the local economic landscape, once vying for Jottie's affection.

Emmett is Felix's brother, characterized by his more compassionate and constructive approach to challenging societal norms compared to Felix's destructive path.

Book Details
Pages

486

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • 1930s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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