Contemporary Family Drama with Straightforward Writing
Happy Publication Day to Tracey Lange and her sophomore novel The Connellys of County Down. I began listening to this with no information about plot, setting, etc. and was intrigued that the first chapter describes the main character's release day from prison.
Tara Connelly served 18 months for drug trafficking, even though she wasn't law enforcement's primary target. She fulfilled her sentence and now plans to rebuild her life, even though she can never resume her teaching career due to her conviction. She shares a house her sister Geraldine, brother Eddie, and his young son Connor, and although they rarely visited her while incarcerated, she's hopeful they will help her start again.
But Tara's release doesn't go as planned - the detective who played a role in her conviction demands to meet with her, and her sister doesn't show up to give her a ride home. Are these bad omens or just coincidences? Can Tara leave her past behind, reconnect with her family, and find a meaningful way to use her artistic talents?
I like Ms. Lange's straightforward writing style; it's down to earth with no flowery prose. Her expertise in psychology is evident as she takes readers into the minds and hearts of her deeply flawed but well-intentioned characters. The tension and love between Tara and her family members was palpable, relatable, and realistic.
The audiobook narration by Barrie Kreinik matched well with the tone of the novel. She also narrates the author's debut novel, We Are the Brennans, which is now at the top of my backlist TBR list.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to the review copy of the audiobook.
Tara Connelly served 18 months for drug trafficking, even though she wasn't law enforcement's primary target. She fulfilled her sentence and now plans to rebuild her life, even though she can never resume her teaching career due to her conviction. She shares a house her sister Geraldine, brother Eddie, and his young son Connor, and although they rarely visited her while incarcerated, she's hopeful they will help her start again.
But Tara's release doesn't go as planned - the detective who played a role in her conviction demands to meet with her, and her sister doesn't show up to give her a ride home. Are these bad omens or just coincidences? Can Tara leave her past behind, reconnect with her family, and find a meaningful way to use her artistic talents?
I like Ms. Lange's straightforward writing style; it's down to earth with no flowery prose. Her expertise in psychology is evident as she takes readers into the minds and hearts of her deeply flawed but well-intentioned characters. The tension and love between Tara and her family members was palpable, relatable, and realistic.
The audiobook narration by Barrie Kreinik matched well with the tone of the novel. She also narrates the author's debut novel, We Are the Brennans, which is now at the top of my backlist TBR list.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to the review copy of the audiobook.