Review of 'We're Not Us Without You' by Christine Keighery
Release date: April 29th, 2025
Publisher: Ultimo Press
What the story is about:
Four friends. One secret. And the cult that could burn them all.
High school friends Lani, Tinker, Maya and Stig were inseparable until an unthinkable act shook the group. Now in their thirties, three of the friends are still close while Stig has disappeared completely, unable to face what happened in high school. With Lani’s wedding fast approaching, she is determined to bring the group back together. This leads them to a spiritual retreat where Stig has been living off-the-grid, and to Stig’s enigmatic partner – or leader – Acharya.
Is it too late to save Stig from himself? And will bringing him back into the fold threaten the silence that has been keeping them safe all these years?
REVIEW
First, a cover of a book can tell a lot about a story. In this case, an upside down fire image and church like window with a cross visible in the frame set on a black background represents darkness /evil and in this case— an inverted faith that burns/betrays its followers. Thus the mention of The Handmaid’s Tale at the start was extremely appropriate for the story that followed.
We’re Not Us Without You by Christine Keighery is an intriguing informative read that demonstrates the hazards of cult practices. But the true religion for these four characters is their friendship which certainly gets tested in the fiery trials. This chilling plot with death, portrayal, deception and revenge contains plenty of twists, turns and surprises. Its tightly controlled narrative held me captive to the end while the mysteries unravelled. And it is not a pretty picture of what becomes known. Yet, as the friendships of four individuals morph, change and at times recoil, the final chapters bring an appropriate resolution. And I would say even a positive one as far as justice is concerned, for the tragic threads come together during the final countdown.
Stig, Tinker, Maya and Lani are life-long friends. Each have an interesting story to tell of their experience with Acharya, the cult leader who could be classified easily as a witch and she is described as such with her desire to be worshiped, demand of excessive loyalty, control and isolation of followers and emotional manipulation. Her persuasive acts of kindness and charismatic teaching give an appearance of something she is not. She feeds her deceived followers an ideology that is dangerous for it is a perverted version of the truth. Seemingly sympathetic and caring of others, she lulls believers into her web of deceit by providing a false sense of security and acceptance. All the while gaining more control over their finances. Through the four friends’ encounters with her, we learn she is opposite to the image she has created. And those who have trusted her, receive a shock revelation, when the scales fall off their eyes.
I particularly enjoyed getting to know Lani and Maya. They stood on opposite sides in their beliefs of God and Christianity. Maya’s belief that ‘faith is a beacon in a dark world’ is true to her character. Whereas at Lani’s wedding, ‘no god, Christian or otherwise should be mentioned’ shows where she stands. My heart hurt for these two when negative events transpire that involve their children. Maya’s love and concern for Sophia’s safety certainly is relatable. And this fourteen year old played an impressive part in seeing justice served. I admired Lani’s keen eye for picking out a sham and loved that she was feisty and fought back. Her family called her precocious!
Tinker and Stig’s involvement with the cult initially was most alarming until everything becomes shaken down and the lead up to the conclusion brings about much change and retribution. These two have quite a tale to tell!
We’re Not Us Without You exposes some complicated and startling topics. Well written, compelling and memorable, it delivers shocking secrets, lasting friendships and blind beliefs— making it a most intriguing study of human behaviour in how the desperate desire for belonging can lead to dangerous paths. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ultimo Press for a review copy.
