Everyone Is Still Alive

by Cathy Rentzenbrink

It is summer on Magnolia Road when Juliet moves into her late mother's house with her husband Liam and their young son, Charlie. Preoccupied by guilt, grief and the juggle of working motherhood, she can't imagine finding time to get to know the neighbouring families, let alone fitting in with them. But for Liam, a writer, the morning coffees and after-school gatherings soon reveal the secret struggles, fears and rivalries playing out behind closed doors - all of which are going straight into his new novel . . .

Juliet tries to bury her unease and leave Liam to forge these new friendships. But when the rupture of a marriage sends ripples through the group, painful home truths are brought to light. And then, one sun-drenched afternoon at a party, a single moment changes everything.

The fiction debut from Sunday Times bestselling author Cathy Rentzenbrink, Everyone Is Still Alive is funny and moving, intimate and wise; a novel that explores the deeper realities of marriage and parenthood and the way life thwarts our expectations at every turn.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary, Family, Adult, Adult Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2021

About the author

Cathy Rentzenbrink grew up in Yorkshire and now lives in London. A former Waterstones bookseller, she is now Project Director of the charity Quick Reads and Associate Editor of The Bookseller magazine.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet and Liam, together with son Charlie, have just moved into Juliet’s late mother’s home in Magnolia Road. It’s the height of summer, it’s a lovely house in a good neighbourhood, but Juliet isn’t sure how she feels about living there - too many memories that are still pretty raw and hard to deal with. The fact that she and Liam aren’t getting on too well, doesn’t help either.

Juliet works full time, whilst Liam is a writer, and inevitably, it’s Liam who integrates into the new neighbourhood, after school coffees, and meetings with the mums from Magnolia Road, who all have kids around Charlie’s age, and as he listens to their gossip and hears about their private lives, he decides to make them the subject of his next book.

Then one lovely summer’s day when the whole street,(adults and kids alike), are celebrating a birthday, something happens in Magnolia Road that will put everything into perspective, not just for Juliet and Liam, but for all the other families too.

The author paints a sensitive and sometimes amusing picture of middle class suburbia - the triumphs, dramas, hopes and anxieties, obsessive and competitive parenting, marital problems, how the hierarchy works in a small community, and I have to say, she paints it to perfection. A novel about life’s ups and downs, becoming a mature adult, and recognising what’s really important in life.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group, Phoenix, for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliette, Liam and son Charley moved into her late Mother’s house in Magnolia Road.

Juliette has grief to deal with in the loss of her mom. A parent to Charlie and being a good wife to Liam.
As all of us know, life can be overwhelming for us moms and we do have our insecurities that other moms are managing much better than we are.

Whose been there….
Where we feel and look drab and there’s ALWAYS that one mum who is dressed up nicely, nails done, hair done and looks confident and in control?

Well we have a Queen Bee like this in this book with many in the road trying to keep up with the “Joneses”

It makes you think and it also gives you a few laughs along the way as Liam decides to write a book around the characters of Magnolia Lane. How will that go!

If you like family sagas, books about gossip, whispers at school gates, you’ll love this.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.75) Enjoyable enough, as far as these keeping-up-with-the-school-gate-mums novels go, but also completely forgettable. The focus slipped too far from the central couple and their life story. More might have been made of Juliet’s grief (Rentzenbrink’s recurring theme, and the best aspect of the book) and Liam’s novel in progress. The central crises (a suspected affair, a child’s accident) were such clichés, and the West London setting wasn’t brought to life in any meaningful way. I hoped for deeper insight into suburbia and gender roles in parenting, along the lines of Sarah Moss or Tom Perrotta, but this remained determinedly lite in the vein of Rachel Johnson and Nina Stibbe. Page 247 in the Phoenix hardback could have worked as the ending.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

felt this book was okay nothing really stood out for me

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is summer on Magnolia Road when Juliet moves into her late mother's house with her husband Liam and their young son, Charlie. Preoccupied by guilt, grief and the juggle of working motherhood, she can't imagine finding time to get to know the neighbouring families, let alone fitting in with them. But for Liam, a writer, the morning coffees and after-school gatherings soon reveal the secret struggles, fears and rivalries playing out behind closed doors - all of which are going straight into his new novel . . .

I have to admit that I found this book really dull. The characters were unlikeable, there were pages and pages about the interaction with the children, the mothers were all stressed and felt their partners didn't pull their weight but there was very little actual plot. I got so bored reading about their day to day meet ups, their children's tantrums/issues, the constant glugging of wine whilst they complained about their lives. The only saving grace was the author's skill as a writer but sadly this just wasn't enough.

I received a copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Kerryrosalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was incredibly dull and the only small bit of excitement was a kid falling off a shed roof!

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet and Liam aren't sure they will ever fit in when they move into her late mother's home with their young son Charlie. Magnolia Road is the picture perfect image of domesticity with big houses, and large cars and neighbors full of parenting and relationship advice. As Juliet begins to resent her own role in the house as breadwinner while her husband Liam hangs out with the other primary caregivers for content for his new novel, an accident puts everything into perspective.

I really enjoyed this - I thought it was a very good story that managed to capture that time in your 30s and 40s that is a bit manic, full of exhausting 9-5s, housework and parenting while also trying to upkeep a successful relationship and somehow not mess everything up. There is a slight element of Keeping Up The Joneses in it too as we see others covet what their neighbour has, or listen to everything the Queen Bee has to say.

I did keep expecting something really dark or twisty to happen and was surprised when it didn't and I realised this book wasn't a suspense or a thriller - it was just a slice of life, fiction book that still had me very much hooked on everyone's lives even though they were so normal. The characters surprised me as they all ended up being pretty decent people - again, just your average normal neighbours as you realise that while some people look like they have it altogether, they might be struggling themselves with other things and nothing is 100% happy for everyone all the time and everyone has their ups and downs be it with marriages, kids or work.

I listened to this on audiobook and found it really enjoyable.

[Stacey | prettybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Cathy’s non-fiction because she’s fantastic at portraying the complexities of human emotion, and her debut novel is no different. In many ways this is a simple story. It’s the story of a married couple and their new life in Magnolia Road, a middle class area of London. But I was constantly in a heightened state of stress, reading about the couple’s neighbours, husbands, affairs and children. As someone who is neither married nor has children, it made my life look comparatively stress-free (it’s not, of course). It only took me a few days to read because I was on edge, wondering if their lives were going to take a turn for the worst. I hope more novels from Cathy are to come.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to be lucky enough to blag a proof of Cathy Rentzenbrink’s new book and first novel Everyone is Still Alive (Phoenix) which is published in July. I have been a big fan of Cathy’s talent since her Waterstone’s days and it has been such a pleasure to see her career develop, first at Quick Reads and then as a writer and author. This is her first novel, and is a dose of reality in high life suburbia, following four couples who live in and around Magnolia Lane, a sought-after residential quarter for aspirational social benchmarkers who have climbing ambitions. The ups and downs and interactions are closely observed and smothered with dry humour; hideously recognisable weaknesses are exposed and all the while though intentions are generally good even if not particularly well placed. The book is kind and real, and it’s funny and touching. I raced through it and immediately handed it to my wife who ripped through it in half the time, my sister is now devouring it – all in the space of less than a week. This book will do well and deserves to, as does Cathy who writes with heart as well as head, and puts back much of her time and effort to help writers at the beginning of their careers.

[Ikhoward · Rating 4 out of 5]

felt that the blurb maybe placed too much emphasis on the 'disaster' that would change things since I didn't think that was particularly significant to the wider book (or maybe was but happened very late) but overall I liked it and it didn't make me want to curl into a ball and die like her memoir so positive

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone Is Still Alive is a moving début by Cathy Rentzenbrink.The story follows Juliet, Liam and their son Charlie who are moving into Juliet's late mother’s house. The author's characters are complex and well-drawn, and the plot is stylish and intriguing. It was fascinating reading about the other inhabitants at Magnolia Road as writer, Liam formed new friendships at the after school groups and coffee mornings. All in all a heartrending, well written. story of grief, guilt, societal issues, family life and relationships that I recommend very highly.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Orion Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Laura Spira · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first glance this a book that, although well written, is designed to appeal to a very specific audience - young mothers, juggling the daily round and looking for reassurance in fiction that no-one gets marriage or parenting completely right - the sort of fiction I enjoyed when my children were small. The characters are fairly unlikeable because their flaws are very much in the foreground but there is a shift about 3/4 of the way through when an accident throws new light on everyone and they become far more sympathetic. The ending may seem a bit too neat and positive but if you've read the author's earlier memoirs, it's quite poignant. I know authors are often advised to write about what they know but I'd like to see this author write more imaginative fiction.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed spending a few hours in the company of the inhabitants of Magnolia Road, a group of privileged middle-class, financially comfortable young parents of small children as they forge friendships and alliances to support each other through the oh so onerous first-world problems of marriage, relationships, parenting, jobs and just general day-to-day existence. The book is well-observed, reasonably insightful, mildly amusing at times and is a pleasant enough if ultimately pointless read, especially with its too neat fairy-tale ending, but overall not one to get excited about.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet, Liam and their five-year-old son, Charlie, move from East to West London after inheriting a house in Magnolia Road on the death of Juliet’s mother. Whilst Juliet is out at work all day, Liam, a sometime novelist, looks after their son. Juliet is grieving for her mother, and living in the latter’s house brings with it both comfort and daily reminders of her mother’s absence.
Liam decides to make his next novel all about the lives of the comfortably middle-class people who live in their road. Proudly working class (but, of course, he isn’t any more!), he mocks the mummies’ coffee chat, painting a picture of the hierarchy, the fads, their children and their partners for Juliet who is rarely closely involved in the day-to-day concerns of these privileged people. When Lucy’s husband leaves her, Liam begins to spend a lot of childcare time round at hers. Is Juliet right to trust her instincts? Is their marriage disintegrating?
This is an eminently readable depiction of primary school days, of obsessive parenting, of fads and fashions and anxiety, and pride in one’s small children. However, it is also a sensitive portrayal of people who are not sure who they are in life, what they should be doing, what they should really value and how they should find contentment. Whilst it is undoubtedly a novel about children’s development, it is also a story of adults learning to grow up and understand what really matters. A really satisfying read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group, Phoenix for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly the story off Juliet, her husband Liam and their young son Charlie. They move into her mother's house on Magnolia Road after her death. . Juliet is the main breadwinner and Liam joins the neighbouring mothers at the schoolgates and coffee mornings. He is also a writer and is thinking about using the minutae of the lives of their neighbours in his new book. This book feels very realistic, lots of detail about the lives of families with young children, the problems , worries and routines of their lives. It also touches on where the problems between partners emerge as the needs of children sometimes end up taking over. Honestly written, though was slightly suprised when the story was suddenly picked up in another family .
Grief is well dealt with and as the book progresses some of the characters come to realise what really is important., though most seem to live a yummy mummy lifestyle which is perhaps not how the majority live. I would definitely read more from this author
Thank you to Net Galley for th ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by Jenna, @book_club_mumma as it’s her book in the @nbmagazine book blogger awards.
What an amazing, insightful book. This book is a fiction debut for this author, and I am already looking forward to her next fiction book.
Based around the residents of Magnolia Road, a suburban street in London, this page turning, tear-jerking, laugh-out-loud book brings home the stark and contrasting truths of parenting, marriages and ‘helpful’ neighbours.
This book was so addictive and unputdownable! I was so invested in this book, not only the characters but Magnolia Road too. Even now, two days after finishing it I am still in Magnolia Road, helping Helen to try to keep Freddie happy and enjoying a catch up and a coffee after the school drop off.
Another book that I urge you all to read if you haven’t already.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grieving Juliet moves into her late mother’s house with her husband Liam and their son Charlie. Whilst she heads into work she leaves Liam the novelist to become friends with the neighbours of Magnolia Road. Liam is hoping the neighbours will provide the material he needs for his second novel. But before they know it, one marriage ends, suspicions are rife in others and one incident at a children’s birthday party means life will never be the same for Juliet and her family.

This is a quickly and easy read but unfortunately for me it wasn’t a satisfying one. The characters are really unlikeable and I understand that this is in part a device for redemption arcs but by the end of the book it becomes a bit twee. Everything is wrapped up in a neat package by the end. It’s not a book I would recommend but thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Rena · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75. i enjoyed the style of this book at the start+ the switching perspectives of each character so you understand the distance created between each couple, but it really lost steam at the end. im no marriage expert but it doesn't feel like every couple should've gotten over every single one of their issues with one conversation, or by just not reacting to an affair falling through and getting back together?? i was so engaged in these people's parental/married life that i didn't feel like there was room for the grief and mourning that set the whole story up. none of the emotional scenes truly hit, and it was unfortunately very obviously white-centric brits, with token poc

[Helen Carolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a so so read until the shmaltzy vomit-inducing ending. A young couple move into an inherited house on Magnolia Road in London. She's a career woman and her husband's an author who's struggling to write his second novel. When he joins the stay-at-home mums at the school gates he discovers a wealth of material for a new book, but his wife worries he's getting to close to one of the other mums. Disappointing. I'd have preferred a real ending to the fairy-tale we got.

[Amy Heap · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Juliet’s mother dies Juliet moves into her house on Magnolia Road in a London suburb, with her writer husband and small son. Juliet works full time and Liam drops Charlie to school while trying to write his second novel. Liam finds the school mums fascinating, and the family settles into the community. It’s about the struggles of parenting small children, marriage, work/life balance, grief, and connection. There is a lot of suburban angst, some of which felt a little stereotypical, but the treatment of grief was moving, and while the ending was perhaps a little neat, hopeful and happy feels good at this point.

[Maura O'Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened on borrowbox. I would describe this book as nice. It's an easy listen but I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. Maybe my perception of the book before starting it was wrong but I felt this book was more about the relationships between the characters than anything else and there wasn't enough of a plot line to keep me entertained.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book about life on a suburban street much more than I expected to. I found the characters and relationships to be very realistic - and now I can't wait to read her second novel, Ordinary Time.

[Miriam Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Posh-ish southern Juliet and her northern novelist husband Liam move into Juliet’s beloved late mother’s house in a cosy street near Kew Gardens and join a ready-made cast of white middle-class privileged families with problems such as: he wants too much sex. She never puts makeup on for dates. Their childminder has resigned. That husband is sleeping with his Scandinavian PA. Etc.

It’s not that it wasn’t well-written, because it was - it’s just that it needed more meat on the bones of the real problems, such as the behind-glass separation caused by suffering deep and gnawing grief, the terror inherent in a genuine lack of purpose, the baffling reality of being married for a long time, and the difficulty of facing and then dealing with children with behavioural problems. These things seemed to skip in and out to drive the plot onwards but didn’t get enough air time - and then the ending felt twee as a result.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone Is Still Alive by Cathy Rentzenbrink published today July 8th with Phoenix Books (Orion imprint) and is described as ‘a novel about guilt, grief, working motherhood, the mental load, envy, fear and status, but it’s also about love, friendship, community and how we figure out what really matters.’

An observational novel about family and relationships, Everyone Is Still Alive introduces us to Juliet, her husband Liam and their young son Charlie. Juliet’s mother has very recently passed away and, with her house now sitting vacant, it made practical sense for Juliet and her family to move in there. Situated in a rather salubrious neighbourhood, they make the decision that the move will be on a temporary basis, just to see how things work out, but they never anticipated what was to come.

The neighbours of Magnolia Road are very welcoming and it’s not long before they become part of this very friendly and all encompassing community, but Juliet takes time adjusting. Liam, a frustrated writer, stays at home to look after Charlie and quickly becomes embedded in the school gate gossip, going out for morning coffees with the other parents and easily making friends. Juliet is a very busy working mother who loves her job but is finding it very challenging to get the balance right between home and work. Small things are beginning to irritate and a tiny fracture appears in their relationship.

Helen and Dan become part of their circle and are a couple very much living on the edge of their nerves, neither of them really happy with the course their life has taken. Lucy and Baz run into their own difficulties with Lucy turning to Liam for a shoulder to lean on through the rough times. And there is Sarah, married to Stephen, who creates the illusion that her life is perfect, throwing out advice that others soak up. ‘Sarah said….’ is familiar to all in these women’s lives. If Sarah said it, then it simply must be right.

A laid back character, Liam has an amiable personality that encourages confidence and offers him the much needed inspiration for his next book, one he intends to loosely base on Magnolia Road. At the beginning Liam gets serious mileage out of all the behaviour, the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses lifestyle, describing it to Juliet as ‘Planet Privilege’.

“It’s like they’re from another planet. Stephen and Bas both own their own companies. Sarah has a cleaner. Lucy has a French au pair.”

But, as time passes, Liam starts to really enjoy the neighbourhood closeness and the constant chatter. Juliet, meanwhile, senses a distance developing between Liam and herself and she begins to question their marriage. It takes a catastrophic event to change the course of everyone’s lives, placing perspective on what is truly important to be happy.

Everyone Is Still Alive is a gentle book that flows along at the perfect speed immersing the reader in the day-to-day struggles of the residents of Magnolia Road. The value we place on people’s position and possessions is very evident, highlighting society’s never-ending capacity to be more, be loved more, laugh more and always wanting more. Are we ever happy with our lot? Why are we jealous of the bigger house or car that our neighbour’s have? Why do our children’s birthday parties have to be so flamboyant? Why the constant pressure, the guilt, the jealousy, the fear? Why are mothers forever feeling that they are simply just not good enough?

Cathy Rentzenbrink examines all these societal issues through the lens of a small community by creating an eclectic selection of characters, all flawed in some way but presenting themselves to the world as they see and feel is necessary. Everyone Is Still Alive is a wonderfully observed and meticulously formed novel. Most certainly this is a book that will resonate with many, as we evaluate our own lives, losses and regrets. It is a story about the everyday, the mundane but yet Cathy Rentzenbrink captures so cleverly the zeitgeist of Magnolia Road, bringing all the personalities into our hearts and minds. The strength of this story is in its simplicity. There is no complex plot, no fast-paced adrenaline-pumping drama (well maybe one!), but what it does have in bucket loads is heart. Everyone Is Still Alive is an elegant read, a deftly crafted tale that provides much thought and contemplation. A refined novel.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet's mother has recently died and she and her husband Liam, and son Charlie have moved into her house on Magnolia Road. Juliet is struggling with her overwhelming grief, she misses her kind, sensible mother. She has to deal with the paperwork that goes with death, whilst moving their possessions and clearing out her mother's things.
Liam is an author, currently struggling with that 'difficult second novel'. He takes Charlie to school, and he begins to join the other mums for coffee in the local cafe, he takes part in trips and becomes a listening ear for all of them.
There’s large cast of colourful, interesting characters within this story. The Magnolia Road residents, are on the whole, wealthy and successful. However, there are undercurrents of tension that create a feeling of unease, and as Liam recounts the daily gossip to Juliet, the reader becomes something of a voyeur.
The author expertly describes the passive competitiveness that exists between the families. The quest for the largest house, and the best-behaved,talented children are camouflaged well. Those unwanted but offered snippets of advice, the breezy retelling of a child's achievement, all so artfully captured by this talented author.
During a summer party held in one of the gardens, everything comes crashing down for Juliet, and her neighbours. The sudden intrusion into these apparently perfect lives of an event that causes trauma is a turning point for them all. The real truths are spoken and despite the fear and anxiety caused by one event, this is a turning point that creates even stronger relationships for them all.
A compassionate and insightful look at relationships and friends. Wonderfully well observed, tender, sharp and at times very funny.

[Daisy Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone is Still Alive is one of the best written books I've read in a long time. Subtle, nuanced, and absolutely filled with wholly accurate depictions of marriage and parenthood.

Juliet, husband Liam, and young son Charlie, have just moved to Magnolia Road - into her late Mum's house. It's a period of adjustment and grief for Juliet. She works while Liam stays at home and writes. She feels like she's failing as a mum. And is resentful of still having so many domestic duties to do.

Liam makes friends with some local Mums, who seem at first glance - Ghastly. Competitive. Pretentious. He has the idea to use their lives as inspiration for his novel.

We get a glimpse into the lives of three other couples, all with young children. I don't think I've ever read such accurate depictions of the strain raising children puts on a marriage. The writing is so so clever here. We read one spouse's side of the story, and feel empathy. But then we read the other side, and everything we believe is questioned. We all have our version of the truth, and lack of communication can lead to such stalemate.

This is a story that is more about creating an intimate human portrait. There is some drama. But the point of this is not action, but delving deep into the lives of others.

Truly remarkable writing, I enjoyed every word.

[gracehxo]

I borrowed this book from the library. In the prologue it says “Literature is mostly about having sex and not much about having children. Life is the other way around” (David Lodge). This book included a lot of dialogue between a mother and her child and it made me realise how much this is missing from a lot of the books (and other media) we consume (#patriarchy). I liked seeing it represented but it also made me realise how tedious and tiring child rearing must be. I felt hopeful about family life, friendship and community at the end of the story. I thought the best thing about this novel was its honest yet warm portrayal of long term relationships.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted that Netgalley gave me the chance to read “Everyone is still Alive” by Cathy Renzenbrink. An excellent title for this book which deals with many topics including grief, something that Cathy talks about with sensitivity. Having read her excellent book “Dear Reader” about the books that have given her joy and comfort, I know that she has had her own share of grief. But this book is about so much more. I read it almost in one go. It is about friendship and relationships and people who are human beings with their good and bad qualities. Excellent!

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet, Liam and Charlie have moved house.

If you’re looking for a fast paced twisty thriller then look elsewhere. If, however, you’re looking for a brilliantly observed, witty, poignant and compelling insight into middle class England then Everyone Is Still Alive delivers it to perfection. This is such a wonderful book because Cathy Rentzenbrink shines a laser spotlight onto marriage and relationships in a way that resonates with the reader and, ultimately, gives them faith not only in the characters here, but in themselves and in humanity.

Other than a couple of larger events, little happens in Everyone Is Still Alive, but there’s a palpable intensity to the plot that is incredibly affecting. Cathy Rentzenbrink understands and presents human emotion with such clarity and honesty that it is impossible to read this book and not feel that your own soul has been partially exposed along with that of Juliet et al. It is the uncovering of what Joseph Conrad would term ‘the thin veneer of civilisation’ that held me gripped. In this one street of Magnolia Road live those maintaining a façade of domestic perfection with their juicers and au pairs whist quietly unravelling inside. I found this very moving.

The characters exemplify the impact of prosaic life perfectly. I think it illustrates Cathy Rentzenbrink’s quality of writing that although I loathed Liam with enough passion to want to shake him physically, by the end of Everyone Is Still Alive I realised how easily I had been manipulated into seeing him from Juliet’s perspective. I had been tricked into behaving just like the characters, judging others by appearances. I found the children in Everyone Is Still Alive scarily accurate. Their impact on their parents reinforced my relief that I chose not to have any, but at the same time as she explores the challenges of parenthood, Cathy Rentzenbrink also illustrates its joys and rewards too in a completely authentic and realistic manner.

Indeed it, it is the themes of Everyone Is Still Alive that make it such a triumph. Grief certainly comes through the death of Juliet’s mother and is the catalyst for her move to Magnolia Road, but there’s grief over broken relationships, a loss of personal identity, an inability to live up to the expectations of others and grief over what might have been that resonates throughout the intense, affecting prose. Add in the exploration of relationships, education, parenthood, friendships, career and identity and Everyone Is Still Alive becomes a kind of love song to who we are and who we want to be.

I so enjoyed Everyone Is Still Alive. It’s beautifully written, human and tender with a super sprinkling of dry wit that makes it thrum with interest. I really recommend it.

[travelsalongmybookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone Is Still Alive - Cathy Rentzenbrink

‘𝘐𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦?’

This book has already shot into my top 3 reads of the year. I absolutely loved it!
From the start I could hear these characters voices so clearly, I felt I knew them all so well. It reminds me of Motherland, acutely observed, funny and emotive. We move through different POV’s of people in the street which I found a really interesting way to write and we get to know the characters as individuals. It really captures the messy reality of marriages, kids, break ups, break downs, snot, nappies, the endless school fetes, parties and keeping up with the Jones’
Or in this case Sarah, the mum who appears to have it all.

‘𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘸𝘴. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘺.’

The whole book was emotionally charged for me. I really related to Juliet’s struggles as a working mum. It struck a chord, even though I’m now out of the early years, I experienced a break up with young kids and this hit the mark and felt real and truthful. The huge importance of my family and friends in supporting me and the kids was brought home as Lucy’s friends rally round her.

Then something happens one summers afternoon and the story almost turns on its head. I was quite shocked, as I didn’t think this was where the story was going at all.
This single moment causes changes that ripple through the street and the relationships.
It’s allows honesty for Juliet and Liam to talk for the first time in a long time, it really made me smile and cry all at the same time. The conversation between Sarah and Juliet also made me cry as it’s true that you never know what goes on behind closed doors, a wise friend once told me.
This book has touched my heart and really connected with me and yes made me cry, a lot! It’s brilliant and made me realise that talking and honesty is what so many of us should do more of, every day, so we stay alive, still.

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Thank you to Cat Rentzenbrink, Leanne Oliver and Phoenix Books for my copy of this book