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mish_r's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bonniew's review against another edition
3.0
"A house absorbs happiness, that's how it becomes a home". Starting with Kate and her son Leo being made homeless and having to move to Richard's family home. And so the story unfolds, what happened to Richard, who are Kate and Leo and what are the secrets of Hatters
ellyrarg's review
3.0
A cute read, a wonderful setting. The reveal/twist was pretty lacklustre (and fairly clear it was coming) but still, a lovely, dinky kind of read.
Awkwardly though, most men with Down syndrome are considered infertile can’t have children (apparently there are only three cases worldwide…) so… that’s a problem for the whole legacy thing, isn’t it?
Awkwardly though, most men with Down syndrome are considered infertile can’t have children (apparently there are only three cases worldwide…) so… that’s a problem for the whole legacy thing, isn’t it?
pinksy's review
2.0
I think id of enjoyed this more if I’d read it rather than listened. I found the audiobook a difficult listen as the person reading it also played a character with Down syndrome, I thought this was very disrespectful. Having worked with Down syndrome children, I know that they could have used someone else to make this book authentic rather than getting someone to ‘play’ it.
It really did ruin what otherwise was a great story.
It really did ruin what otherwise was a great story.
mirulens's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
portybelle's review
4.0
Where We Belong is the story of Cate and her son Leo. Following her redundancy, they have no choice but to move from London to her husband's family home, which just happens to be a fading museum. Cate knows that her husband Richard rarely visited his childhood home as an adult but doesn't know why. As Cate begins to feel a sense of belonging and part of the museum, she works hard to make it a success but it seems that life is conspiring against her time and again.
The relationship between Cate and Leo was beautifully drawn and very touching. I liked that way that it wasn't just Cate who started to grow more independent and sure of herself throughout the book, despite making mistakes, but Leo too. The importance of not making judgements about people too quickly is clear throughout with several of the characters proving to be not as they first appear.
The museum reminded me of our wonderful National Museum of Scotland where I spent many happy hours both as a child and then with my own children when they were little. I know it is somewhat controversial to have stuffed animals on display, and certainly Cate wasn't happy about this initially, but I felt the author explained the reasoning behind this very well. The museum and house became a character in itself and was central to the story. It was beautifully described that I could imagine myself walking through the various galleries. I know it is inspired by a real museum and maybe one day, I'll be able to visit it.
I really enjoyed Where We Belong which is a charming and engaging story about past secrets and finding out, well, where you belong really and why. With its beautiful setting, fascinating characters and a few darker themes woven through the narrative, it's a book that will touch and satisfy you.
The relationship between Cate and Leo was beautifully drawn and very touching. I liked that way that it wasn't just Cate who started to grow more independent and sure of herself throughout the book, despite making mistakes, but Leo too. The importance of not making judgements about people too quickly is clear throughout with several of the characters proving to be not as they first appear.
The museum reminded me of our wonderful National Museum of Scotland where I spent many happy hours both as a child and then with my own children when they were little. I know it is somewhat controversial to have stuffed animals on display, and certainly Cate wasn't happy about this initially, but I felt the author explained the reasoning behind this very well. The museum and house became a character in itself and was central to the story. It was beautifully described that I could imagine myself walking through the various galleries. I know it is inspired by a real museum and maybe one day, I'll be able to visit it.
I really enjoyed Where We Belong which is a charming and engaging story about past secrets and finding out, well, where you belong really and why. With its beautiful setting, fascinating characters and a few darker themes woven through the narrative, it's a book that will touch and satisfy you.
theoneandonlyredrose's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Chick lit romance. Badly edited. Contradicting facts. Not for me.
arjayebrewerforestfern's review against another edition
4.0
Wow what a story this one was!
Enjoyable, fascinating, quirky story.
Cate and her son upon falling on hard times move into an apartment at the top of the building. Cate hates being there to start with but soon falls in love with the place and becomes determine to do all she can to ensure it remains open.
In the beginning I wasn’t too sure what age Leo was but soon realised he was older than I’d originally thought. Maybe due to how protective etc his mother Cate is of him etc. Araminta was an interesting character who was keeping Cate away while growing fond of Leo despite not seeming to want Cate around. She guards her secret she was determined to keep it, along with other secrets the museum hold too.
Life is full of its ups and downs and this story portrays these throughout it. I’d recommend to anyone who loves a quirky, mystery.
Enjoyable, fascinating, quirky story.
Cate and her son upon falling on hard times move into an apartment at the top of the building. Cate hates being there to start with but soon falls in love with the place and becomes determine to do all she can to ensure it remains open.
In the beginning I wasn’t too sure what age Leo was but soon realised he was older than I’d originally thought. Maybe due to how protective etc his mother Cate is of him etc. Araminta was an interesting character who was keeping Cate away while growing fond of Leo despite not seeming to want Cate around. She guards her secret she was determined to keep it, along with other secrets the museum hold too.
Life is full of its ups and downs and this story portrays these throughout it. I’d recommend to anyone who loves a quirky, mystery.
amyy_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Saddddd didn’t realise it would all be based on reviving from the grief of suicide I thought it would be more mysterious still good tho
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide