Jojo Moyes, the beloved author of Me Before You, The Giver of Stars, and Someone Else’s Shoes, returns with We All Live Here, a contemporary novel that beautifully captures the messiness of life, love, and family. With her signature emotional depth, witty dialogue, and deeply human characters, Moyes crafts a story that is as heartwarming as it is poignant.
Lila Kennedy, the protagonist, is juggling the disarray of her broken marriage, two teenage daughters, a failing career, and a house that seems to be falling apart. Just when she thinks she can’t take any more, her long-estranged father—Gene, an aging and slightly delusional former actor—shows up at her doorstep, upending her already chaotic existence. What unfolds is a touching yet tumultuous journey of rediscovering love, rebuilding trust, and redefining family.
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes is undoubtedly engaging, though it has its fair share of imperfections. While Moyes delivers another compelling narrative filled with humor and heartbreak, some elements feel slightly predictable, and certain subplots could have been more developed. Let’s dive into a detailed analysis of the book.
Plot: A Blended Family’s Struggle to Stay Afloat
Lila Kennedy is at a crossroads in her life. Her marriage to Dan has crumbled, leaving her to raise their daughters, Celie and Violet, on her own. Meanwhile, her once-thriving career as a writer is in freefall, her house is practically a money pit, and her elderly stepfather, Bill, has quietly moved in. Just when she thinks life can’t get more complicated, her biological father, Gene—whom she hasn’t seen in decades—reappears, expecting a warm welcome.
Gene is a washed-up actor who has spent years in Hollywood, chasing roles and women while conveniently forgetting he had a daughter back in London. His sudden presence forces Lila to confront the wounds of her past while navigating the chaos of her present. As tensions rise in the house, Lila struggles to juggle her responsibilities, mend broken relationships, and keep her family from falling apart.
Moyes weaves humor and heartbreak seamlessly, making the plot feel both entertaining and deeply relatable. However, some storylines—such as Lila’s romantic entanglements—feel slightly underdeveloped, making the ending somewhat predictable. That being said, the emotional core of the novel remains intact, making it a worthwhile read.
Main Characters: Messy, Flawed, and Utterly Human
Lila Kennedy – The Overwhelmed Mother and Daughter
Lila is an incredibly relatable protagonist. She is overworked, underappreciated, and constantly second-guessing herself. She wants to be a good mother, a good daughter, and a successful professional, but life keeps throwing curveballs at her. While her resilience is admirable, her tendency to avoid confrontation (especially with Dan and Gene) can be frustrating.
Gene – The Unreliable Yet Charming Father
Gene is both infuriating and endearing. His larger-than-life personality, combined with his utter cluelessness about the damage he has caused, makes him an entertaining yet frustrating character. He is the kind of man who talks his way out of every problem, but beneath his bravado, there are moments of real vulnerability that make him more than just a deadbeat dad.
Bill – The Quiet Anchor of the Family
Bill, Lila’s stepfather, is the polar opposite of Gene. Where Gene is reckless, Bill is reliable. Where Gene is loud, Bill is quiet. His presence is a reminder that love is not just about grand gestures but about showing up, day after day. He is the unsung hero of the novel, and his relationship with Lila is one of the most touching aspects of the story.
Celie and Violet – The Daughters Caught in the Crossfire
Celie and Violet are written with remarkable authenticity. Celie, a teenager navigating friendships and self-identity, often clashes with Lila, while Violet’s youthful bluntness provides comic relief. Their reactions to the family upheaval are realistic, highlighting how divorce and absent parents affect children in different ways.
Writing Style: A Balance of Humor and Emotion
Moyes’ writing style is engaging and effortlessly readable. Her dialogue is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny. She has a gift for writing about everyday struggles in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
However, at times, the humor overshadows some of the novel’s more serious themes. While We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes touches on abandonment, single motherhood, and blended families, some of these issues don’t get the depth they deserve. There are moments where it feels like the novel skims the surface of emotional complexity rather than fully diving into it.
Themes: What It Means to Be a Family
1. The Complexity of Parenthood
Through Lila’s struggles, Moyes paints an honest picture of modern parenting—where love and exhaustion go hand in hand. Whether it’s dealing with moody teenagers, financial stress, or an ex-husband who prioritizes his new life over his old one, Lila’s journey feels painfully real.
2. Forgiveness and Second Chances
The novel explores how difficult, yet necessary, forgiveness can be. Gene’s return forces Lila to confront her unresolved feelings, and while he is far from the perfect father, the book suggests that sometimes people can change—or at least try.
3. The Reality of Being a Woman in Midlife
Moyes does an excellent job of portraying a woman in her 40s trying to reclaim her independence. Lila is neither a romanticized heroine nor a tragic figure—she is simply a woman trying to survive. The novel celebrates the idea that life doesn’t end at 40, even when everything seems to be falling apart.
Critique: Where the Book Falls Short
Despite its engaging storytelling, We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes is not without flaws.
1. Predictability in the Plot
While Moyes keeps the narrative engaging, certain plot points—such as Gene’s redemption arc and Lila’s gradual realization of her self-worth—feel a little too predictable. Readers familiar with Moyes’ work might see some twists coming.
2. Some Relationships Could Be Explored More Deeply
While Gene and Lila’s relationship is the emotional centerpiece of the novel, some secondary relationships—such as Lila’s romantic interest—could have been given more depth. The potential love interest in the book feels somewhat underdeveloped, leaving the romance subplot feeling secondary.
3. The Ending Feels a Bit Too Neat
Given the chaos that unfolds throughout the book, the resolution feels a little too tidy. While readers might appreciate a satisfying ending, a bit more nuance would have made it feel more authentic.
Final Verdict: A Warm, Witty, and Emotional Read
Despite its minor flaws, We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes is an engaging, heartfelt novel that captures the messiness of family life with humor and warmth. Moyes’ ability to balance lighthearted storytelling with deeper emotional truths makes this a compelling read for fans of contemporary fiction.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of Jojo Moyes’ previous works (Me Before You, Someone Else’s Shoes)
- Readers who enjoy character-driven family dramas
- Anyone looking for a mix of humor, romance, and real-life struggles
Recommended Books
If you enjoyed We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes, you might also like:
- I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella (A witty novel about family and self-discovery)
- The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell (A darker take on family dysfunction and secrets)
- The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (For those who love Moyes’ emotional storytelling)
We All Live Here is an enjoyable and deeply human novel that showcases Jojo Moyes’ signature charm. While it may not be her most groundbreaking work, it is undoubtedly a worthwhile and heartwarming read.
