We Are The Brennans- Tracey Lange

Thank you so much @celadonbooks for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. #WeAreTheBrennans goes on sale 8/3 🍀

The Brennans are the typical Irish Catholic family with a house full of kids, a stay-at-home mom, and the bread-winning father.  From the outside, it looks like this golden family has it all together and maybe they had believed it themselves at some point but as a closet of skeletons is unveiled,  the Brennans are left questioning everything.

We are The Brennans opens with Sunday, the only daughter amongst three brothers. 

Five years ago, she uprooted and left behind her close-knit family and serious boyfriend for a fresh start on the other side of the country. Now she’s found herself at rock bottom and forced to return home to heal. She has no idea just how much has changed when she was gone.  

It’s time to see if this family can join together to support one another through the minefield of life. 

I can’t fault this simply because it wasn’t my cup of tea. This fell a little flat for me but We Are The Brennans was certainly well-written, had an intriguing plot, and complex characters.  I know this story will appeal to many readers. 

Although a slow-paced and somewhat predictable read, I have to commend Lange on her ability to stir up emotions. There was one particular scene in the book that I found very triggering. The discomfort, panic, and fear was almost TOO well written as it sent me spiraling. This is in no way a negative thing. I’m a believer that the best writing has the ability to relentlessly absorb you and incites physical and emotional sensations. 

We Are The Brennans is a story of the messy process of healing. It is an example of the unconditional love and forgiveness only a family can give. It certainly tugs at the heart strings. 

Side note: I’ve seen quite a few aggressive comments on the “stupid” decisions made by these characters. These poor choices are actually something I deeply appreciated. Life is messy and unless we’ve been in a situation yourself, it’s really not our place to judge the decisions being made. Just my two cents. 

TW: assault, miscarriage
3 1/2 stars