The Review

“We Are the Brennans” by Tracey Lange is a captivating novel that delves into the complex dynamics of an Irish Catholic family torn apart by secrets. The story follows Sunday Brennan, a young woman who returns to her family in New York after causing a drunk driving accident in Los Angeles, where she is the only one hurt or involved. Her older brother, Denny, decides that with her losing her license, the best decision is for her to move back home. Having left her family and high school sweetheart five years earlier without much explanation, Sunday is met with questions, resentment, and the need to confront the past.

Sunday is determined to rebuild her life on the east coast. But as she stays longer, she realizes that her family needs her just as much as she needs them. When a dangerous figure from her past threatens the family’s pub business, Sunday must confront the secrets that have haunted them for generations. In the aftermath, the Brennan family is forced to face painful mistakes and find a way forward together.

From the moment I started reading this book, I was immediately drawn into the world of the Brennans. Despite my initial apprehension about reading a story centered around family drama, I quickly found myself drawn into the intricate web of secrets and emotions. Tracey Lange’s vivid storytelling brought the characters to life, and I found myself invested in their struggles, conflicts, and growth. The author skillfully explores the theme of shame and its lasting impact on individuals and families, while also highlighting the redemptive power of love and forgiveness.

One aspect that stood out to me was the nuanced portrayal of the characters. Each member of the Brennan family is flawed and carries their own secrets and regrets, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. But the one thing that never changed was the Brennan family’s unwavering support for one another. Despite their flaws and past mistakes, they come together to protect and uplift each other, showcasing the strength of their bond. I appreciated how the author slowly unraveled these secrets, keeping me guessing and eager to discover the truth behind their actions. The unexpected twists and turns in the plot kept me engaged and intrigued throughout the story. However, there were some characters, such as Kale, who felt weaker in comparison and left me wanting more depth and development.

What really brought me to round this novel up to 5 stars for me was Lange’s literary technique of repetition to seamlessly execute the use of multiple perspectives. When Lange transitioned between narrators, the next chapter always started off with the last thing the new perspective’s character said in the previous chapter. This was extremely helpful when listening to the audiobook, as I never had trouble identifying whose perspective I was reading. It allowed me to see the events from different angles and gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations. The narrative flow was smooth, and the pacing kept me hooked from beginning to end.

While the book explores family drama and the consequences of past choices, it avoids falling into clichés and offers a fresh take on the genre. The author’s writing style is captivating, with lyrical prose that immerses the reader in the emotional journey of the Brennans. I found myself emotionally invested in their struggles and rooting for their redemption – even my least favorite character, Vivienne, whom I believe had ill-intentions from the start when going after Kale post-breakup.

“We Are the Brennans” is a remarkable debut novel that showcases Tracey Lange’s talent for crafting a compelling story and developing complex characters. I was thoroughly engaged from start to finish, and I eagerly await more from this talented author. If you enjoy family dramas with a blend of secrets, redemption, and heartfelt emotions, I highly recommend picking up this book.

As I mentioned earlier, I was on the fence about this one but ultimately gave it 4.5 out of 5 Stars, choosing to round up to 5 starts on GoodReads!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“We Are the Brennans” by Tracey Lange is a captivating novel that explores the complex dynamics of an Irish Catholic family torn apart by secrets. Sunday Brennan, after causing a drunk driving accident in Los Angeles, returns to her family in New York. Her older brother, Denny, believes it’s best for her to move back home since she has lost her license. However, Sunday’s return is met with questions and resentment as she confronts the past she left behind. As she rebuilds her life on the east coast, she realizes that her family needs her just as much as she needs them. When a dangerous figure from her past threatens the family’s pub business, Sunday is compelled to confront the secrets that have haunted them for generations. In the aftermath, the Brennan family must confront painful mistakes and find a way forward together, relying on the unwavering support and love that binds them.

Tracey Lange’s vivid storytelling brings the Brennan family to life, captivating readers with an intricate web of secrets and emotions. The nuanced portrayal of flawed characters and the exploration of themes such as shame, love, and forgiveness add depth to the narrative. The author skillfully weaves unexpected twists and turns into the plot, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind the characters’ actions. The use of multiple perspectives enhances the storytelling experience, providing different angles and motivations for a deeper understanding of the characters. Lange’s lyrical prose and seamless transitions between narrators create a smooth narrative flow. “We Are the Brennans” is a remarkable debut novel that offers a fresh take on family drama, delivering a compelling story filled with redemption and heartfelt emotions.