In the vein of Mary Beth Keane’s Ask Again, Yes and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney's The Nest, Tracey Lange’s We Are the Brennans explores the staying power of shame―and the redemptive power of love―in an Irish Catholic family torn apart by secrets.
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. We Are the Brennans
Tracey Lange æ 1 CHARACTERS
Quite the interesting story: full of melodrama, deeply flawed characters, misunderstandings, betrayals and bad, bad decisions.
For a debut novel, this was pretty decent. The writing was good, as was characterization - for the most part. There were so many colourful characters springing at you from every corner of the Brennan mansion. There was also your typical Irish bar... (hmm, I worried at one point, were we in for all the usual Irish Family Saga tropes? Not quite, but close...)
The plot, although intriguing, pushed a few of my limits. I had a hard time suspending my disbelief regarding the reasons that Sunday left for Los Angeles, especially in this day and age.
It made for highly emotional melodrama, of course, and I still enjoyed listening to this very tall tale. It often resembled those night-time soap operas that started coming back into vogue a few years ago. That drudge of a daughter, Sunday, who was caught up in the web of family secrets! The pining, separated lovers! The looming menace of bankruptcy! The father's shady past in Ireland. Toil and trouble, everywhere you turned!
Did I think this was a masterpiece of great writing and original storytelling? Not quite. At one point in this story there was a rehashing of the same events by the various narrators. All the retellings by each of the Brennans, Kale, and the guileful Vivienne had me sighing or groaning with frustration towards the end: Are we really going back there - again? But apart from these few lapses, the writing was often lyrical and kept you fully engaged in the story and all the characters in it.
I was desperate to find out how it all would end! (Reminded me a bit of the Ryan's Hope soap that I used to watch as a teen - yup, I know, that really dates me!)
I thought it was odd that the author gave the eldest brother, Denny, the task of predicting Sunday and Kale's eventual fate - he had gotten his family into such dire financial straights with his poor judgment and had alienated his own loving wife. I never could understand why he never confided in anyone - that was a stretch as well.
I enjoyed the family dynamic: how all the siblings pulled together to support and protect one another. However, I didn't know what to make of the pseudo-adopted son, Kale Collins (who was so aptly named!) His indecisive nature often reminded me of a limp vegetable. He drove me up a wall and down the other with his conciliatory, noncommittal ways. His was one of the weakest characters in the novel. Did Kale deserve to be part of that protected circle? I certainly wasn't impressed with him, but the majority of the Brennans and the author seemed to think he was, so I'm staying out of that one.
That said, I was satisfied with the ending. I wanted Sunday to choose - for once - herself and her happiness, and if that wilted cabbage of a man is ultimately what her heart pines for, who am I to stand in the way of true love?
I'm giving this riveting family saga a 3.8 - rounded up to a 4, out of 5 stars. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook of this novel in exchange for an honest review. English
Reading this novel I can tell that the author, coming from a large Irish family herself, knows the ins and outs of family dynamics. This was a very enjoyable read that touched upon the complexities of family life, including secrets, trust, love, discovering that even your parents are not perfect, while still holding on to the strong family bonds formed as they were growing up.
Sunday Brennan wakes up in an LA hospital after having hit a median in the highway while driving while intoxicated. She recalls only a bit of the accident and is already feeling the shame when she finds her older brother Denny at her bedside. After seeing Sunday’s condition, a broken arm, cuts and bruises on her head and other places, Denny knows that he has to persuade his sister to come home. She had fled New York 5 years previously with little in the way of explanation to her family and her long time boyfriend Kale.
When she arrives home she is welcomed with open arms. Denny and Kale are about ready to open a second pub. Kale has been part of the family since he was young and struggling in a one parent household with a father that was always intoxicated. A close friend of Denny, he is considered part of the family.
Financing the new pub has been tough and Denny is the one trying to keep everything going as planned. Things have gotten out of control since a burst pipe ruined part of the foundation. Denny is constantly reassuring everyone that things will be fine, but they don’t know all of the secrets that he is hiding. Secrets that could ruin not only their business but their family as well!!
In the 5 years that she has been gone Kale has married Viv and they have a son, Luke. On seeing Sunday, all of Kale’s feelings for her begin to resurface, jeopardizing the family life that he has created. He never knew the reason why Sunny left, no one did!!
There are other siblings including Jackie, a low key kind of guy. He works at the pub and is a very talented artist still struggling to find his way. Shaun is the youngest, he has some intellectual disabilities, but has a job that he loves. He is ecstatic to see his sister home.
The novel is told in the voices of the family members. This is a great way for the reader to know what they are thinking and feeling and not just what they are doing.
Throughout the course of the novel we will learn many of the things that the siblings and parents have kept from each other. This only seems to strengthen them as they fight to keep the pubs and their family intact!!
This is a strong debut novel that rang true for me. I will definitely be looking for more from this talented author.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher, Celadon, through Edelweiss. English 4.5 ⭐️
After 29 year old Sunday Brennan wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital following the crash of her car into a barricade she is forced to return home to her family in NY. She needs them, but until she returns home, she doesn’t realize that they need her too, with the family’s Irish Pub ☘️ on the brink of Financial ruin.
But, going back won’t be easy.
She fled five years ago, quickly and without explanation, leaving behind not only them, but her fiancé, and high school sweetheart-Kale.
They all have questions-BUT-is she ready to give them answers?
The story unfolds through the eyes of almost every character involved: Sunday-her brothers Denny and Jackie-her father, Mickey, and even Kale....and his WIFE...Vivienne.
The transitions from character to character were creative and seamless. Each chapter ends with a conversation, and the conversation is picked up in the following chapter by a different POV.
Although, when I finally found out why Sunday left everyone behind, I thought it was an overreaction to the event that precipitated it, I was rooting for the family to pull together and save the Pub!
I savored this book.
It’s been awhile since I have spent time with characters that I will miss-but I will miss the Brennans!
This was a completely engaging DEBUT by author, Tracey Lange, and I am so happy that I received a gifted copy by mail from Celadon…It was truly my pleasure to offer a candid review!
NOW AVAILABLE! Don’t miss it!!
English Absolutely wonderful!!!!!!!
It’s a novel to savor…. ha, if possible, as I found it hard to put down. LOVE LOVED LOVED it!!!!!
I’ll return to a review when I can.
Surprise guests just showed up - will stay the night -
Until I do …. I’ll leave a little excerpt to think about:
“It wasn’t her grief he couldn’t take, it was the fact that he couldn’t grieve with her”.
Terrific family novel!!!! I’ll be back when I can.
RETURNING….to share a little more…..BUT….NO SPOILERS…..
Meet the family….(a few tidbits about each of them)
*Sunday Brennan*….
……twenty nine years old, had always been the voice of reason. There was a maturity and selflessness about her character.
The only female sibling. She had good grades in school, ran cross country, worked on the high school newspaper, wrote stories….and generally things came easy for her.
*Denny Brennan*….
…..oldest son, (who usually could do no wrong), was Sunday’s protector. At times, he could be quite controlling, yet there was no denying that everyone seemed to rely on him. Presently, Denny was in a Financial jam.
Denny was married to Theresa. They had a six year old daughter, Molly.
*Jackie Brennan*…
……[Sunday’s twin], was the executor of Sunday’s secret. …they had a special twin-bond. He was an artist (painted)…Sunday wrote stories. When the two were together talking about books and art…nobody could get in their way.
*Shaun Brennan*….
……was the youngest brother. He has always been the family barometer…..kind, helpful, wanted to please, and very lovable. He had learning developmental challenges and was intellectually slower than normal.
*Kale Collins*….
……was Denny’s business partner. He and Denny were in the middle of opening up their 2nd pub in Mamaroneck. Their first location was a local pub in West Manor (which won best local pub in Westchester for the past two year). Kale grew up with the Brennan family …. Denny was his best friend ….. Sunday was the love of life.
*Maura Brennen* was Mom. Sunday was her prime caretaker when she was sick.
*Micky Brennan* was Dad. For thirty years he worked in construction.
He was a successful businessman—he had his hands in everything related to construction in his area….contract biding, Union negotiations, inspection approvals, etc. His earnings provided their family a beautiful home, nice clothes, extra cars in the driveway. Micky’s health was fragile. He had recovered from a heart attack and was showing early signs of dementia.
*Vivienne*…..
……she was married to Kale. Physically she was model beautiful. They had a three year old son, Luke.
When Kale married Vivienne, Sunday wasn’t sure if it was because he got sucked in by the superficial, or because he sought out someone so different from her.
Other characters…
…..Auntie Angie, Auntie Clare, Cousin Grail, Paul the bartender, Billy Wash > son of Frank and Lynn Wash (a local nearby family), Sharon Martin, (town gossip), Michael Eaton (a lawyer)……
So….what about “The Brennan’s”?….
They lived in New York. Micky and Maura came from Ireland. They were a tightknit Irish family.
However, family bonds were tested as the fractious characters were fleshed out one by one.
We get a vivid exploration of psychological family warfare…..
It’s intimate….and DAMN GOOD!!!!
There were a couple of times I wanted to cry….
Shame, and secrets were shattering love-relationships……
I found it incredibly sad that when a tragedy happened…asking a loved one for help, at a crucial time…..then getting turned away —
well…..
it has got to be one of the most heartbreaking devastations a person experiences.
And…
not asking for help when needed is also sad as can be.
Tracey Lange, who comes from a large Irish family, wrote a standout - inimitable and prolific contemporary family novel. She captures the essence of love, loss, shame, …both past, present, and everlasting.
Thank you Tracey….I enjoyed this book so very much. I can’t wait to read your next novel.
Thank you Netgalley for the pleasure it was to read this novel…..
…publish date will be in August. A novel not to miss.
Thank you Tracey Lange!!!
A special thanks to Celadon Books (especially after being such a turd expressing how overwhelmed I felt just being ‘asked’ to receive a gifted book), I had said no. It was a day I wanted to toss in the towel and bolt from everything….dealing with my own physical chronic pain..
But, my goodness…I’d sure take a physical copy of this book now. I have already told several of my local friends - they must read it.
Some novels we just want to put in the hands of people we love.
This is that book…..WONDERFUL!!! English im super picky when it comes to family dramas but, the more i think about this one, the more impressed i am with it.
usually, with 5 star ratings, i know right away. its easily to tell when a book is going to be so outstanding that you want to reread it immediately after you finish. but this wasnt the case for the story of the brennans. it was a quiet feeling that gathered long after i closed the book. as i made a mental list of the things i liked, i realised that there was nothing i didnt like.
the reason i am so picky with these kinds of novels is because family dramas tend to not really have a plot, so i need to be attached to the characters in order to care about them and the book. and i had no problem with that. each of the brennan siblings bring something different to the story and mesh together in really great way. and for being such a short book, i love how full it feels. it doesnt feel lacking or rushed. it feels very complete.
this is a great novel about how even the most complicated of families can support and forgive each other.
↠ 5 stars English
Wow, just when you think your family is messed up, here come the Brennans.
Sunday Brennan has been living in Los Angeles for the last five years after running away from her family and her high school sweetheart. She's keeping secrets that will surely tear them apart, but she's not the only one with skeletons in the closet. When an accident forces her home, and the family comes together after so many years, she and everyone will have no choice but to finally confront all that has been unsaid.
I was a little unsure going into this because do I really enjoy reading about drama among family members? But I needn't have worried at all. This story was compelling from the very first page. Tracey Lange really made these characters and their world come alive, and I was immediately pulled in.
Normally, conflict that comes solely from things unsaid isn't my favorite because it can all be quickly cleared up by just speaking the truth. And while that is the case here, the nuanced characters and their difficult decisions convinced me that the secrets are valid and they did what they thought was the best given the circumstances.
As we wind our way through the narrative, there were so many unexpected twists and turns that surprised me and kept me interested in this dysfunctional family and all the ways they've messed up. I found the whole thing to be riveting.
This is such a phenomenal debut from Tracey Lange. She has this way with building up a remarkable story and fleshing out interesting characters and dynamics to support it. I can't wait to read more from her.
My heartfelt thanks for the advance copy that was provided for my honest and unbiased review. English 1.5 stars
It’s been said that no two people read the same book and that’s certainly the case here. There are many positive reviews for this book, so do please check them out.
I wrote a long rant but I deleted it and will just say this book was not for me. The characters and the plot were boring, stereotypical and predictable. The reason that one of the characters left for 5 years, cutting off all contact with her family and friends (including the supposedly love of her life), was so ridiculous it made me want to throw the book across the room. The subtle victim shaming did nothing to endear this story to me.
The narrator of the audio was excellent.
* I received a print copy of the book from the publisher as well as the audio from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. English Sunday, the only daughter in a large family, has been out living on her own in California, but that abruptly comes to an end when she gets into a car accident. Returning home, Sunday finds herself in the middle of a family in turmoil. Her father facing memory issues, her little brother, Shane, acting out, and Denny, who is struggling to keep afloat his family and family business. Sunday also has some unfinished business with her ex, Kale, which is made more complicated now that he has a wife and son.
This book was boring. The foreshadowing was so extremely heavy, and it took forever to unveil the surprise. The underlying plot itself, the long-lost love trope, can be very interesting, but it wasn't very well thought out. I just could not relate. How could Sunday just leave Kale and not say a word about what she was going through if they have such an incredible bond? Maybe Sunday should have left because marriage or any long-term relationship has set-backs or disagreements. Let me be crystal clear about one thing: If a woman is drinking, she can say no. She has that right. There is no excuse for victim shaming. This book really perpetuates that myth. It doesn't matter if you drink 10 drinks. It does not give someone else the right to assault you. This book had no steam and was PG. The author should read The Turnout and The Hunting Wives. There were also so many characters in this book. I wasn't even sure who Clare and Grail were until the end. Finally, the book was so predictable, the classic HEA. The author did not push the envelope.
Overall, this book is like a bad Lifetime movie. Stick a fork in me. I'm done.
2023 Reading Schedule
Jan Alice in Wonderland
Feb Notes from a Small Island
Mar Cloud Atlas
Apr On the Road
May The Color Purple
Jun Bleak House
Jul Bridget Jones’s Diary
Aug Anna Karenina
Sep The Secret History
Oct Brave New World
Nov A Confederacy of Dunces
Dec The Count of Monte Cristo
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Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta English Happy pub day to one of my favorite fictions and the story of most adorable crazy/ dysfunctional family of the year !🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
Oh my…oh my… one more time: OH MY…
I think I can simply say I loved it! I loved the complex, batshit crazy, deliciously dysfunctional Brennan family so much! They are so natural, so real, they have incredible resemblances with your own family! At least I saw those resemblances I liked how it made me feel: yes, I’m not the only one coming from not so normal family! ( I think nobody has normal family but some of them are better to disguise or pretend! )
Anyways, falling at first chapter kind of story starts with the introduction of train wreck Sunday Brennan, 29 years old, who finds herself in deep trouble by opening her eyes at the hospital side, bruised, aching, to be a felony of DUI charges!
And surprise: who is waiting for her wake up at her bedside? Her brother Denny is always the protector, worried about her well being. And she is not looking so good with her broken arm, bruises on her head! But she mostly suffers from broken pride!
Only way is out is connecting with her family her tails between her legs, spending time with them when she’s in this condition. She has to return back to her family house where she suddenly left 5 years ago without giving any reason.
Her family owns an Irish Pub struggling with deep financial problems.
She hasn’t only left her family, her pissed off Irish brothers, she also left her high school sweetheart Kale( I know I asked myself is he organic and fits great with Parmesan and I stopped myself making the worst kind of jokes! So ignore my words! I already hit my hand so hard for typing this !) who is married with another woman right now! So you may guess: decision of returning back to her native town is one of the toughest decisions for her!
We can observe the events through the eyes of different characters including brothers Denny and Jackie, Shaun, father Mickey, sweetheart Kale ( even Kale’s wife Vivienne has important part in this story!)
Jackie is talented artist, working at the pub, mixed feelings about his life decisions as Shaun deals with his own social awkwardness.
Kale and Denny plans to open a new pub but a burst pipe caused to ruin the entire foundation and that’s not the only financial obstacle they have to deal with. Denny keeps so many secrets from them.
Each chapter ends with a conversation and the very next chapter opens up another narrator’s perspective was a unique way to tell the story!
Overall: I loved this family so much! Each of the characters were portrayed amazingly. I couldn’t decide which one was my favorite! This is one of the best fictions I’ve read this year! I’m giving my well earned highly deserved, Irish, very dysfunctional, surprising, impeccably developed five stars !
Special thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for sharing this freaking amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions. English We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
Normally I would have been rolling my eyes at the decisions made by these flawed people. I can take only so much bad decision making, especially when the bad decisions can be or could have been minimized by the people talking to each other, just asking questions and getting the other person to answer and by not taking advice by the last person qualified to give it. But the way this story was written, I just loved it and the people in it. This is a flawed family, the flaws started with the parents, and we see some of the grown children continuing dysfunctional ways that are going to cause this family to implode.
Twenty nine year old Sunday abandoned her fiancé, father, and brothers five years ago, to pursue her writing career in CA. In reality, she barely had anything published and is working as a waitress, living in a one room apartment, when she gets drunk and wrecks her car and body. Sunday hadn't really been running towards something but instead was running away from something when she left NY. Her oldest brother Denny, in the midst of disastrous decisions he's made that will ruin their family, really can't afford to leave NY to get his sister but he's her only emergency contact. Denny brings Sunday back to the family home and business, a home and business in which her now married ex-fiancé plays a very big part.
The story is broken up into chapters, each narrated a different character. The chapters move so smoothly from one narrator to the other that the story just flowed. Rather than grumping about the bad decisions that are made, either actively or by not acting when acting would have been the only right decision, I couldn't help wanting this family to get find a way to get through to each other. They love each other but it seems that their love sometimes leads them to distance themselves physically and emotionally from the very person/people they care about the most.
I don't want to say more because I think this story is best experienced through the thoughts and words of the characters. I would love another book about them because I hated to leave the Brennans behind, when I finished this book. This story is about secrets and how secrets can destroy a family. The truth is always going to be better than anything else we can imagine.
Publication: August 3rd 2021
Thank you to Celadon Books for the print copy of this ARC. English