Things in Every Room

by Helen Longstreth

An intimate and beguiling memoir about what we keep behind the doors of the past, how it haunts the present and what it takes to make sense of it all.

'Beautifully considered' Sophie Elmhirst
'A revelatory true story about love in all its forms' Dizz Tate

Helen Longstreth’s chaotic the relentless cycle of her father’s alcoholic relapses, the six kids coming and going, the apologies and uncertain forgiveness, the meals that bring the family back together again. But while she is studying in America, the land of her parents’ birth, her father dies – and it all comes to an abrupt end.

In the years that follow, she is drawn back to America and another world of chaotic love and alcoholic madness, dying fathers and lost boys. The same problems in a new arrangement.

Ten years after her father’s death, Helen returns to her childhood home to spend a rainy summer with her mother. Her father’s office, his briefcase, and his desk loom beneath the leaking roof. At last, she begins to open the drawers…

'A wise, empathetic tale of addiction, love, and family strength' Frances Wilson

‘Tragic but funny and with an eye for telling detail that few writers can match’ Blake Morrison

'I read it with pleasure and admiration' Chetna Maroo

Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2026

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this thinking it would be life-changing but honestly, it was just a bit.... Pointless?

Far too many characters, absolutely no real building of them. Started off strong but just melted into nothing. Extra star because at least it was short.

[Katerina Reem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was moved by the heartfelt exploration into dealing with addiction and grief, but this only arose in the last quarter of the book. Overall, this lacked reflection, had no clear narrative, and had too many characters - which is a shame as this had the potential to be brilliant.