Title: The Things That Keep Us Here
Author: Carla Buckley
First published February 9, 2010
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780440246046 (ISBN10: 0440246040)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
Ann Brooks has always felt secure in her suburban community. She has a loving family, supportive friends, and a comfortable home.
But when a deadly virus spreads across the country, everything changes. Ann’s world is turned upside down as she and her family are forced to quarantine in their home, cut off from the outside world.
As the weeks pass, tensions rise and resources dwindle. Ann must make difficult decisions to keep her family alive, all while dealing with the unexpected return of her estranged husband.
This gripping novel explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her loved ones in the face of unimaginable danger. With expert storytelling and unforgettable characters, The Things That Keep Us Here will stay with you long after the final page.
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About the Author
Meet Carla Buckley, the accomplished author behind four bestselling novels: The Good Goodbye, The Deepest Secret, Invisible, and The Things That Keep Us Here. Her debut novel was even nominated for a Thriller Award and an Ohioana Book Award.
A graduate of Oberlin College and the Wharton School of Business, Buckley now resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. When she’s not writing, she serves as the Vice President of Awards on the board of the International Thriller Writers.
Keep an eye out for her next work!
Editoral Review
The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley is a gripping novel that delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships in the face of a global pandemic. Published on February 9, 2010, Buckley’s book shines a spotlight on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and how relationships change when survival is at stake.
The story is set in the United States and centers on the lives of the two Seagrave parents, Ann and Peter, and their children, Elizabeth and Will. When a deadly virus starts spreading across the country, the Seagraves bunker in their suburban Ohio home, trying to distance themselves from the chaos outside.
But as the situation deteriorates rapidly, Ann and the children must make difficult decisions about what they value most, and what they’re willing to do to survive. Buckley’s writing style is impeccable, with vivid descriptions and an intimate understanding of what it means to be human in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested in the fate of the Seagrave family. The characters are complex, with realistic motivations and emotions that are easy to relate to, making it hard not to get emotionally invested in their survival.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the parallels it draws to the COVID-19 pandemic that the world is currently experiencing. Despite being published over a decade ago, the book touches on themes that are still relevant today, including the importance of social distancing, how quickly the virus can spread, and the toll it takes on families and communities.
However, the book also has its flaws. At times, the plot can feel a bit predictable, and some of the characters’ decisions might seem a bit too convenient for the sake of the plot.
Additionally, some readers might find the ending a bit unsatisfying, as it leaves some threads unresolved. Overall, The Things That Keep Us Here is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that is perfect for fans of post-apocalyptic literature.
While not without its flaws, the book’s strengths more than make up for its weaknesses. Readers who enjoy characters that are easy to root for, an engrossing plot, and a poignant exploration of what it means to be human will find a lot to love in this book.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
