Review: The People at Number 9 by Felicity Everett

Sara and Neil have new neighbours. The run-down house next door is now home to Gavin and Lou, an artist and film-maker, respectively, and their children. While the new couple may not conform to the neighbourhood’s view of what a family should look like, Sara finds herself drawn to their carefree lifestyle and passion. Neglecting other long-standing relationships and judgements, Sara and Neil find themselves immersed in a new world of art, liberation and creativity. However, when their amended behavior no longer conforms to that of their artistic friends, the relationship begins to sour, and Sara takes note of all that is wrong with her previously brilliant new friends. Tensions arise and relationships take strain in an effort to put wrongs to rights.

While one can’t help but cringe and think “first-world problems” throughout much of the book, The People at Number 9 remains a highly enjoyable read. Sara is certainly not the most likeable character, with her intrinsically skewed moral compass and tendency to embody everything that is wrong with the middle-class, yet her downfall is precisely what gives the book its charm and addictiveness. You may want to slap the main character, but you won’t want to put the book down to do it.

The story serves as a crucial reminder to be true to oneself, and not be swayed by the views and opinions of others. As our protagonist is consumed by obsession and a desire to change who she is, we’re reminded of the perils of this way of thinking and acting. Of even greater importance is Felicity Everett’s illustration of all that can go wrong in a life without integrity and honesty. From simple misunderstandings and yearnings, a plethora of irreversible damage arises.

The People at Number 9 by Felicity Everett is published by HQ, an imprint of Harper Collins, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.