The Family

by S E Green

150 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Laura]

Nyla was only eight when mother Leah divorced father Paul, about whom she’d always felt ‘there was something off’. The split was messy, but left Paul apparently travelling the country, phoning his daughter on a monthly basis and stirring up trouble over the full custody which Leah had obtained. Forbidden to see him, the little girl of course wanted nothing else, and the next ten years saw a difficult relationship between mother and daughter—culminating in the eighteen-year-old leaving a brief note one day and going to live with him; wherever that was.

Five years later she’s back, appearing at the mountain cabin where Leah now lives with new partner Walker, and a ghost of her former self; bone-thin, shorn head, pale of face with sunken eyes. She’s laconic of speech, unwilling or unable to tell the story of what’s happened to her and with some very strange habits around the house, going where she wishes and showing no respect for the privacy of Lean and Walker. The narrative which follows alternates between the story of Nyla’s last five years at her father’s commune and the present, as Leah attempts to help and cope with her.

The first thought that occurred to me, when I’d started readingThe Family, was which family was under discussion here; the pairing of Leah and Paul which ended in divorce and a child living—in her view—with the wrong parent, or the ‘family’ of her father’s new life to which she goes when she’s of age? The one led to the other, I suppose, although not all divorces end with one partner forming a commune. Whatever, it’s an unsavoury story, unsettling, illustrating the extreme controlling behaviour of one individual towards several others. I’ve thought more than once to look into cult behaviour; not the so-called ‘charismatic’ people who lead them, but rather those who blindly follow them, sometimes into death. Author S. E. Green doesn’t give any clues inThe Family as to the ‘why’ of the situation,but does offer a look at the inside of a cult, albeit a small one; but no less chilling for that.

It’s a well-constructed story, with believable characters, and although I wasn’t too sure about the ending that’s just me; so I’ll still go with 5*.

[Deb Mervold]

It was an interesting psychological story of family. Resolution was satisfying.

[Wanda]

"The Family" by S E Green is an interesting read that offers a compelling mix of suspense and emotional depth, although it doesn't quite reach the heights of a five-star masterpiece. The characters are well-developed and the plot keeps you engaged, but at times the pacing feels a bit uneven, which can detract from the overall experience. Green's writing style is accessible and immersive, making it a good choice for fans of family dramas with a darker twist. While it may not be perfect, it's certainly worth a read for those who enjoy stories about complex family dynamics and secrets.

[Laurie]

This is the first book I’ve read by S.E Green
It was a quick read, but I wasn’t a fan. I almost DNF. I was hoping that something would finally give, and I would be glad that I finished reading it, but I wasn’t. It was a very weird book. Very disturbing.

I just picked this book up with not knowing anything about it. I won’t tell people to read it or not read it. I think everybody should read what they want to read and make their own decisions that was just my review of this book. I will probably look into more books by this author.

[Kina M]

More like 2.5. This wasn’t anything special it was basically a cult. Story has been told fiction and nonfiction 1000 times. The characters were frustrating and since you only had 2 POV it made it worse. Leah the mother was insufferable at times. Girl ask the damn questions we all wanna know so we can get this story moving. Insight from the 3rd pov was a little better, seeing how things can go from bad to worse in these cults. The book was super predictable but I finished. I almost DNF and had to really push through but I did finish.

[Connie Shirley]

Where the book shines is in its concept and pacing: it’s a quick read with enough eerie and unsettling moments to keep you turning pages. However, the execution feels uneven at times. Some characters lack development, and the narrative can feel sparse or rushed, making it harder to fully connect with the emotional stakes. A few plot points also stretch plausibility, which dulled my engagement slightly.

[oliv]

wow. i just finished this book and oh my gosh. this is the first book i read from this author and it definitely won’t be the last. while this book is really short it feels so long.

i enjoyed this book so much. i love how every chapter it switched from leah to nyla. past to present. that is a good aspect. i also like how it has a happy ending i was scared it would not.

this book wow.

[Ashley Waters]

While it held my interest (finishing it in a single day), I am not sure how I feel about it. I guess I was hoping for more oomph within the story. Overall, it was a good book but it has the potential to be great.

[Karyn Stonehouse]

Good but very similar to the Family Upstairs

[Joanna Emerson]

Somewhat interesting. Almost didn’t finish but I’m glad I did because the resolution was satisfying.

[Genevieve Helene]

A well-paced twisted story of a cult. Thoroughly enjoyable and a short compelling read.

[Rochelle Naylor]

Could not stop reading. Liked that it got straight to the point and didn't prolong the story line.

[Tammy]

Read this in a day ... creepy psychological thriller ... well written and just enough .. well written .

[Yvonne Conneely]

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