Audiobook Review: Everyone Is Still Alive by Cathy Rentzenbrink

Narrated by Lydia Wilson

Cathy Rentzenbrink’s Everyone Is Still Alive is a beautifully observed, warm, and gently humorous novel about the complexities of modern family life. Narrated with nuance and empathy, this audiobook brings Rentzenbrink’s keen insights to life, making it an engaging and relatable listening experience.

The novel follows Juliet and her husband, Liam, as they move to Magnolia Road, a seemingly idyllic suburban street where parenting and social expectations loom large. While Juliet juggles work, motherhood, and the subtle pressures of the local mums’ group, Liam, a struggling writer, finds himself caught in the emotional lives of their new neighbours. As he attempts to turn their seemingly ordinary dramas into literary inspiration, he soon realises that real life is far messier than fiction.

At its heart, Everyone Is Still Alive is about the quiet struggles of marriage, parenting, and self-identity. Rentzenbrink has a gift for capturing the small, everyday moments that define relationships, as well as the unspoken tensions and anxieties that come with trying to do it all. The novel balances humour with poignancy, making for a listening experience that is both touching and thought-provoking.

Lydia Wilson’s narration of the audiobook perfectly complements Rentzenbrink’s style. The narrator’s delivery is warm, engaging, and subtly expressive, bringing depth to each character while maintaining a natural, conversational tone. The dialogue flows effortlessly, and the gentle shifts in tone help convey the novel’s mix of humour and emotional depth.

Everyone Is Still Alive is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories about real life, love, and the quiet battles of adulthood. It’s perfect for fans of books by authors such as Marian Keyes or Jojo Moyes, with its mix of warmth, honesty, and observational humour.

This a highly enjoyable and deeply relatable listen. Whether you’re a parent navigating the pressures of modern family life or simply enjoy stories that reflect the messy, beautiful realities of human relationships, this audiobook is a delight from start to finish.

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