In the debut novel from Tracey Lange, we are introduced to the Brennan family. An Irish American clan who in recent years have broken apart due to the absence of the only daughter, Sunday and the death of their mother, Maura. Sunday eloped to Los Angeles to pursue a writing career. Things haven’t worked out quite as hoped and she’s found herself in a serious car accident due to being drunk at the wheel. Now, returning to the family home in New York she must face old demons and try to piece her life back together. 

At first I found this a little slow but things definitely picked up a gear after a short while. The story is told not only from the view of one character but the whole family. This gives We Are The Brennans the feel of a drama worthy of television because as the audience we are shown what each of them is feeling and thinking. Think Modern Family meets Derry Girls? Is that too basic a comparison?

It’s a reflection on how the idea of shame on women is still prevalent in today’s society and has nods back to the history of the Troubles and how families from Ireland rub against each other even when they’ve left to seek a new life across the water. 

I’m really looking forward to future works from Tracey Lange as We Are The Brennans feels a breath of fresh air in literature. 

Thank you to Laura Sherlock PR for the review copy. Feel free to check out the other bloggers on the tour!