Book Review | A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson

When a teenager from an upstanding family is accused of murder, they realize that it isn’t love that will keep them together: it’s lies. The father, a pastor, refuses to believe that his daughter might be guilty. The mother, a defense attorney, thinks she can work the law in her favour. And the daughter, desperate and alone, thinks no one understands her. All of them will be tested in different ways, but who is guilty?

Inside, my mind is screaming. I’m about to explode.

I don’t know if it’s worth it, if I can handle it. I know there are a lot of people out there who never get out of here alive. 

A Nearly Normal Family is a psychological thriller with a dash of courtroom drama revolving around the Sandell family in Lund, Sweden. While they seem to be a normal happy family, dysfunction lurks underneath. From the father’s controlling nature to the mother’s neglectful absence to the daughter’s constant rebellion, it was all set to erupt – and it does. I thought the book is gripping with short, addictive chapters. The changing POVs allow me to learn bit by bit about the characters and what they’ve done. Secrets, lies, and betrayals all came to light.

The book tackles rape, domestic abuse, and sexual grooming so it’s not a light read. With every conversation and reveal, the characters’ decisions get even more complicated. The trial scenes are gripping, making you question what you’ve read before. The story raises uncomfortable questions about how the justice system treats assault victims. There are no easy answers here and the ending made me wonder if the right decision was made. Can parental concern turn into something dangerous? Can a terrible crime ever be justified?

A Nearly Normal Family takes a close look at a family on the brink of a disaster. Recommended if you like complex dramas about morality and choices!

About the author: M.T. Edvardsson

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