Jojo Moyes, known for her emotionally rich and character-driven novels, returns with We All Live Here, a deeply resonant tale of family, resilience, and the complexity of human relationships. With her signature wit and warmth, Moyes crafts a story that is as poignant as it is humorous, drawing readers into the chaotic life of Lila Kennedy, a woman navigating the trials of single motherhood, career struggles, and an unexpected familial reunion.
Plot Overview: A Family in Disarray
Lila Kennedy’s life is a storm. Recently divorced, juggling a demanding career, and raising two daughters—Celie and Violet—Lila barely has time to breathe. Adding to the turmoil is her aging stepfather, Bill, who has quietly taken up residence in her home, and a dilapidated house that seems to be crumbling around her. But just when she thinks things can’t get more complicated, her estranged father, Gene, a washed-up actor who vanished from her life decades ago, suddenly appears at her doorstep.
Gene’s reappearance shakes the fragile foundation of Lila’s life. While Violet is instantly charmed by her charismatic grandfather, Celie remains skeptical, and Bill—who has long considered himself Lila’s true father—wants nothing to do with him. As tensions rise, Lila is forced to confront her past, her sense of self, and what family really means.
Through a blend of misadventures, heartfelt reconciliations, and humorous yet poignant realizations, We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes explores themes of forgiveness, identity, and the complicated love that binds families together, even when they’re at their most fractured.
Character Analysis: A Cast of Imperfectly Real People
Lila Kennedy: A Relatable, Overwhelmed Protagonist
Lila is one of Moyes’ most grounded and authentic protagonists. She is fiercely independent yet plagued by self-doubt, strong yet fragile in her moments of vulnerability. Moyes does a brilliant job portraying the exhaustion and mental load of single parenthood, the endless balancing act between work, children, and self-care. Lila’s internal monologue, filled with dry wit and emotional honesty, makes her a deeply sympathetic character.
Gene: A Self-Absorbed but Redeemable Father
Gene is both infuriating and endearing—a man who spent his life chasing fame at the expense of his relationships. His grand gestures and roguish charm make it easy to see why Violet falls for his charisma, but Moyes also ensures that his faults are never downplayed. His road to redemption is bumpy, but ultimately satisfying.
Bill: The True Father Figure
If Gene represents irresponsibility and abandonment, Bill is the steadfast rock Lila can rely on. His quiet presence, his stubborn old-fashioned ways, and his unwavering love for Lila and the girls provide a stark contrast to Gene’s flamboyant, unreliable nature. Bill’s arc is deeply moving, as he struggles with grief and the fear of being replaced.
Celie & Violet: The Voice of a New Generation
Violet and Celie serve as both comic relief and emotional anchors in the story. Celie, moody and intelligent, struggles with her own identity, while Violet’s innocence and unconditional love offer moments of levity. Moyes’ ability to capture the distinct voices of children and teenagers adds another layer of authenticity to the novel.
Moyes’ Writing Style: Seamless and Emotionally Engaging
Jojo Moyes is a master of creating deeply human stories that are both heartbreaking and humorous. Her prose is fluid and effortless, capturing both the mundanity and the magic of everyday life. The dialogue is sharp and natural, laced with humor, even in the darkest moments. We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes is brimming with the kind of scenes that linger—small, intimate moments that feel incredibly real.
The novel’s pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Lila’s world. Moyes deftly weaves past and present, slowly unraveling the complex dynamics of Lila’s relationships without ever resorting to heavy-handed exposition.
Themes: The Heart of the Story
Family Isn’t Always Who You Expect
The novel challenges traditional definitions of family. Gene may be Lila’s biological father, but it’s Bill who has always been there. Similarly, Lila’s own role as a mother is tested as she learns to accept help rather than always being the one who holds everything together.
The Messiness of Love
Romantic love is present but takes a backseat to the familial love that forms the core of the novel. Moyes explores how love isn’t always enough—sometimes, responsibility and effort matter more. Gene loves Lila, but love without action is hollow. Bill, on the other hand, may struggle to express his feelings, but his actions speak louder than words.
The Inescapability of the Past
Lila spends much of the novel resisting her father’s attempts to reconnect, but ultimately, she must reconcile with her past to move forward. Her struggles with self-worth and trust are deeply rooted in her childhood experiences with Gene, and only by confronting them can she begin to heal.
Critiques: Where We All Live Here Falls Short
While We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes is a deeply satisfying read, it’s not without its flaws.
Predictability in Plot Development
While Moyes excels at character-driven storytelling, certain plot points feel predictable. Gene’s redemption arc follows a familiar trajectory, and while well-executed, it doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises.
A Slow Start
The novel takes some time to find its momentum. The early chapters are filled with Lila’s domestic struggles, which, while relatable, can feel repetitive. The real emotional stakes don’t fully emerge until Gene arrives, which may test the patience of some readers.
Secondary Characters Could Use More Depth
Characters like Lila’s ex-husband Dan and his new partner Marja feel somewhat one-dimensional. While they serve as catalysts for Lila’s personal growth, they lack the depth and nuance that define Moyes’ strongest characters.
Final Verdict: A Heartfelt, Funny, and Moving Read
With its deeply relatable protagonist, sharp humor, and heartfelt emotional core, We All Live Here is a testament to Jojo Moyes’ ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot, its strength lies in its characters and the warmth that permeates every page.
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes is perfect for fans of character-driven family dramas with humor and heart. Readers who loved Moyes’ Me Before You or One Plus One will find much to enjoy here. If you’re looking for a novel that explores love, forgiveness, and the beautiful messiness of life, this book is well worth your time.
Recommended Reads
If you enjoyed We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes, you might also like:
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell