A Nearly Normal Family

M. T. Edvardsson
64 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2018

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Book Brief

M. T. Edvardsson

A Nearly Normal Family

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

391

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Lund, Sweden • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Truth & Lies

•

Regret
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Celadon Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson, Stella, the teenage daughter of a pastor and a lawyer, is accused of murdering Christopher Olsen, a wealthy businessman. The narrative unfolds from the perspectives of her father Adam, who questions his faith and parenting, Stella, who recounts her troubled past and controlling relationship with Christopher, and her mother Ulrika, who defends Stella in court, highlighting themes of justice, family loyalty, and truth. The source text includes graphic depictions of sexual assault, domestic violence, abuse, and violence.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.9

61,580 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

<A Nearly Normal Family> by M. T. Edvardsson is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of familial loyalty and moral dilemmas. The narrative, told from multiple perspectives, keeps readers engaged. Some criticisms include pacing issues and occasional predictability. Overall, it's an insightful and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Nearly Normal Family?

A reader who would enjoy M. T. Edvardsson's A Nearly Normal Family typically appreciates psychological thrillers with a focus on family dynamics and moral dilemmas. Fans of works like Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies will find the exploration of secrets and unreliable narratives captivating.

3.9

61,580 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

One of the novel's narrators and a central figure, she is a highly intelligent teenager struggling with the expectations placed upon her by family and society. Her interactions with others reveal a quest for self-identity and autonomy.

Stella's father, a pastor dealing with his daughter's legal troubles, experiences a journey from moral rigidity to prioritizing family over his previously strict principles. He grapples with control issues and a disconnect from Stella's aspirations.

Stella's mother, a successful lawyer, navigating the contradictions between her career and motherhood. Her complex relationship with her family leads to a journey of self-reflection and transformative reassessment of her priorities.

Stella's close friend, portrayed as a model student and athlete whose life is shaped by parental expectations. Her role highlights the weight of these pressures and her growing complexity challenges her seemingly perfect image.

A manipulative antagonist with a significant impact on Stella's life, whose actions fuel the novel's central conflict. His charming exterior masks deeper predatory tendencies and history of abusive relationships.

Stella's therapist during her time in jail, providing support through unconventional methods. She aids Stella's journey of self-discovery and healing, offering stability and empathy in a tumultuous time.

A secondary character and survivor of abuse, her experiences and accusations against Christopher face skepticism, mirroring societal challenges faced by women. Her determination to protect others brings crucial insights into the narrative.

Book Details
Pages

391

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Lund, Sweden • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Truth & Lies

•

Regret
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Celadon Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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