We Are the Brennans
We Are the Brennans is an absolutely phenomenal and epic debut story by Tracey Lange. She has captured the essence of love, loss, and shame - both past, present, and everlasting. I love dynamic stories about complicated families whose love for each other transcends their foibles, and the Brennans did not disappoint!
When twenty-nine-year-old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital, bruised and battered after a drunk driving accident she caused, she swallows her pride and goes home to her family in New York. But it's not easy. She deserted them all—and her high school sweetheart—five years before with little explanation, and they've got questions.
Sunday is determined to rebuild her life back on the east coast, even if it does mean tiptoeing around resentful brothers and an ex-fiancé. The longer she stays, however, the more she realizes they need her just as much as she needs them. When a dangerous man from her past brings her family's pub business to the brink of financial ruin, the only way to protect them is to upend all their secrets—secrets that have damaged the family for generations and will threaten everything they know about their lives. In the aftermath, the Brennan family is forced to confront painful mistakes—and ultimately find a way forward, together.
This story is told from multiple POV. How did that work out?
With the multiple POV I was able to see this family through each other’s eyes as perspectives change from chapter to chapter. This provided me with a keen understanding of the characters. I enjoyed the flow of the writing from each character to character, and there is enough tension to keep the momentum going and enough emotion to feel connected.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
Tracey Lange comes from a large Irish family, so she was able to capture not only the complexities of family life but also knows the ins and outs of family dynamics. In her story she dove into the complexities of family life, including secrets, trust, love, and discovering that even your parents are not perfect. I loved how no matter the imperfections and deceit the family bonds formed from youth still held strong.
Who was your favorite character?
Normally with any book that deals with multiple points of view I have a favorite character. I know this sounds cheesy, but with this story I fell in love equally with each very real and richly layered character. This was a family that had each other’s backs at all times and were willing to sacrifice everything for their family members.
How was the pacing?
Fast and steady. I could not put this down as I had to know what was going to happen next with the family and the mysteries and secrets surrounding them.
Do you recommend this book?
YES!! Very much yes! There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a top book of 2021 for myself and everyone who reads it, so preorder your copy now!
Thank you Celadon Books for the gifted copy of this book.
