Everything We Keep (Everything We Keep, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Kerry Lonsdale's "Everything We Keep" centers around the intertwined lives of two women, both grappling with grief and the complexities of family secrets. The narrative unfolds through dual perspectives: that of Abigail, a young woman burdened by the mysterious death of her mother, and that of her Aunt Thora, a reclusive artist harboring a lifetime of unspoken pain.

Abigail, fiercely independent but emotionally fragile, discovers a hidden box belonging to her mother containing a collection of letters, photographs, and other mementos hinting at a past she never knew. These artifacts reveal a life far richer and more complicated than Abigail ever imagined, including a secret relationship with a charismatic but troubled musician named Julian. The letters ignite a desperate search for answers about her mother’s life and death, prompting Abigail to confront the unspoken anxieties and unresolved issues within her own family.

Aunt Thora, the enigmatic and withdrawn sister of Abigail’s mother, holds the key to many of the mysteries. She is a talented artist whose life has been shaped by a devastating loss and a deep-seated fear of vulnerability. Thora’s reluctance to share her past and her guarded nature initially frustrate Abigail, but as Abigail persistently seeks answers, Thora slowly opens up, revealing the traumatic events that shaped her life and her sister's.

The unraveling of the past reveals a complex web of love, loss, betrayal, and artistic passion. Julian, the enigmatic musician, emerges as a pivotal figure, his presence haunting both Abigail and Thora's lives. His impact on their family history is profound, impacting both the emotional and artistic legacies passed down to Abigail. The letters reveal a passionate yet ultimately destructive relationship, illuminating the choices her mother made and the consequences she faced. As Abigail digs deeper, she uncovers not just the truth about her mother's life, but also the truth about her own self-perception and her family's complicated history of emotional repression.

Through the discovery of old journals, letters, and hidden artwork, Abigail navigates painful truths about family secrets, inheritance, and the enduring power of the past. The overarching themes revolve around family legacies, the complexities of grief and forgiveness, the importance of confronting the past to move forward, and the healing power of art and self-expression. The novel explores how unresolved trauma can manifest across generations, emphasizing the enduring strength of familial bonds even amidst significant pain and misunderstanding. Ultimately, "Everything We Keep" is a poignant story about the search for identity, acceptance, and the enduring power of love and loss.