This novel focuses on the loyalty of the Connelly siblings. I wouldn’t really call them close, broken may be more appropriate. The eldest sister, Geraldine, has a therapist that describes them as “a normal, healthy, screwed-up family”. With their parents out of the picture, Geraldine, Eddie, and Tara must look out for one another.
Their mother moved to the U.S. from Ireland following the American dream and filled her children’s heads with fairy tales of a castle in a faraway land, prior to her untimely passing. Their father was a “good looking charmer who talked a good game but couldn’t deliver” and took off when times got tough leaving Geraldine with more responsibility than a young girl should bear.
Eddie grows up to be a hard-working, single dad, who struggles to maintain his health after a traumatic brain injury. Tara, recently released from prison, scored a job as a graphic designer, since she spent her time “while away” creating illustrations in her sketchbooks. But just when their lives seem to be getting on track, their freedom and pursuit of stability is at risk when the family comes under suspicion once again for criminal activities.
I was a huge fan of Tracey Lange’s debut novel, “We are the Brennans”, and her follow-up book does not disappoint. She gives us a family drama that has complex characters and a compelling plot. (Also, I loved that the characters in this book went on a date to Brennan’s Irish Pub, as a brief callout to this familiar setting from her debut.)
Their mother moved to the U.S. from Ireland following the American dream and filled her children’s heads with fairy tales of a castle in a faraway land, prior to her untimely passing. Their father was a “good looking charmer who talked a good game but couldn’t deliver” and took off when times got tough leaving Geraldine with more responsibility than a young girl should bear.
Eddie grows up to be a hard-working, single dad, who struggles to maintain his health after a traumatic brain injury. Tara, recently released from prison, scored a job as a graphic designer, since she spent her time “while away” creating illustrations in her sketchbooks. But just when their lives seem to be getting on track, their freedom and pursuit of stability is at risk when the family comes under suspicion once again for criminal activities.
I was a huge fan of Tracey Lange’s debut novel, “We are the Brennans”, and her follow-up book does not disappoint. She gives us a family drama that has complex characters and a compelling plot. (Also, I loved that the characters in this book went on a date to Brennan’s Irish Pub, as a brief callout to this familiar setting from her debut.)