Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

Dysfunctional family dramas draw me like a moth to flame. Perhaps it’s because I can relate; maybe it’s the sibling fallout that catches my attention.   Whatever the reason, The Things We Knew by Catherine West captured my attention from the start! 

This book came into my life during a time when my family’s drama was at its height. At least, to this point!  My grandfather passed away this summer, and my father passed away a few weeks ago.  It seems like everything in my life sort of revolves around the bad dream of figuring all this out, and making sense of adulthood from these new eyes.  In a way, I think Lynette’s character was the same way.

As the other characters were introduced to the story, it was fascinating to see how they interacted with each other.  I challenge you to read this book without feeling some sense of connection to at least one of them!  Not sure it could be done.  The most heartbreaking part of it all was the difficulties with Mr. Carlisle, Lynette’s Alzheimer-stricken father.  Watching his deterioration hurt me to the core.  Again, I was reminded about my own father’s demise and how things could have been different.

If you’re ready for something heartier and deeper than the typical Christian fiction novel, please consider The Things We Knew.  It’s a masterpiece of realistic fiction.