The Last to Let Go: 5 reasons this February release is a must-read

3. The family dynamics are spot on

Smith maintains a great balance when it comes to the familial relationships in The Last to Let Go. Just from reading the story’s synopsis, it’s clear that Brooke’s family is a dysfunctional one. Despite this, the abuse doesn’t completely overshadow the love that permeates their relationships. After all, it’s difficult to grow up living with someone and not feel some compassion toward them.

This shows clearly through Brooke’s interactions with her mother, as well as her reflections on her relationship with her father. Smith does a solid job of demonstrating that Brooke both resents the things they’ve done and loves both parents in her own irregular way. This line is a difficult one to toe, especially when emphasizing certain behaviors are unacceptable. But Smith manages it, and her story is better for it.

The sibling relationships also make this novel worth picking up. Brooke’s interactions with her brother and sister are heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. Aaron and Callie deal with the events of The Last to Let Go in their own ways. And their methods often crash with Brooke’s coping mechanisms.

Yet through everything, their bonds remain strong (even Brooke feels they’re at their weakest). And even while we’re questioning whether they’ll be okay, the way their relationships are described suggests to us that they will be. Not only is that a realistic portrayal of sibling dynamics, but it’s a touching one.