Allison Larkin's debut follows April Sawicki, a seventeen-year-old who flees her abusive home in upstate New York with nothing but her guitar and a fierce determination to survive. What begins as a familiar runaway narrative evolves into something more nuanced as April drifts through small towns, forming tentative connections with people who show her unexpected kindness.

Larkin excels at capturing the particular vulnerability of a teenager aging out of childhood too quickly, and April's voice feels authentic without being overly precious or wise beyond her years.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of the makeshift families we create when our biological ones fail us—from Sarah, the diner owner who offers April work, to the other young people April encounters who are similarly adrift. These relationships feel earned rather than sentimentally constructed, and Larkin resists the urge to tie everything up too neatly.

The book tackles heavy themes including domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness, but maintains a fundamentally hopeful tone without minimizing these realities. April's passion for music provides both escape and connection, though the musical elements sometimes feel underdeveloped compared to the interpersonal dynamics.

Pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections as April moves between locations, and some secondary characters could use more depth. The writing is clean and accessible, making this an excellent choice for readers who enjoyed books like 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' or 'The Great Alone,' though it's gentler than either. This will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction focused on resilience and human connection. Those seeking fast-paced plots or complex literary experimentation should look elsewhere. Young adult readers will find much to connect with, though the book doesn't shy away from adult themes. Ultimately, 'The People We Keep' succeeds as a compassionate exploration of how we find our place in the world when the traditional structures fail us.