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okiecozyreader's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This was a great November read, with a touching family story centered around a daughter who is leaving prison for transporting drugs and going back home to live with her sister and brother, and his son. While they have a complicated family, their love for each other made me care about each of the family members and their struggles.
In the bookclub kit, Lange mentions that she likes writing about family dynamics and for this story she notices that “the person who appears to be causing the outward turmoil in the family, the one that may look the worst on paper, is sometimes the one with the least to hide.”
I appreciated the compassion for each character in the story. None were perfect, but each did they best they could. They were very real.
Thanks to Celadon Books for a copy of this book.
#CeladonBookClub
“When they were little she and Eddie used to play among the boxes and old furniture in the dusty, shadowed room, bringing to life one of their mom’s fairy tales, The Connellys of County Down. In the story, Geraldine, Eddie and Tara had to pass through the dangerous Fairy Forest on their quest to reclaim Connelly Castle, a grand stone masterpiece surrounded by beautiful gardens, majestic woodland, and boundless wildlife.” P31
I also liked the therapy representation and the contributions of Judy, the therapist
“Well congratulations, Connellys. You are a normal, healthy, screwed up family.”
“Maybe because you’re a hoarder, I’m a loser, and Tara’s a felon.” P107
“The most honest words didn’t have to be loud or dramatic to cut deep.” P199
In the bookclub kit, Lange mentions that she likes writing about family dynamics and for this story she notices that “the person who appears to be causing the outward turmoil in the family, the one that may look the worst on paper, is sometimes the one with the least to hide.”
I appreciated the compassion for each character in the story. None were perfect, but each did they best they could. They were very real.
Thanks to Celadon Books for a copy of this book.
#CeladonBookClub
“When they were little she and Eddie used to play among the boxes and old furniture in the dusty, shadowed room, bringing to life one of their mom’s fairy tales, The Connellys of County Down. In the story, Geraldine, Eddie and Tara had to pass through the dangerous Fairy Forest on their quest to reclaim Connelly Castle, a grand stone masterpiece surrounded by beautiful gardens, majestic woodland, and boundless wildlife.” P31
I also liked the therapy representation and the contributions of Judy, the therapist
“Well congratulations, Connellys. You are a normal, healthy, screwed up family.”
“Maybe because you’re a hoarder, I’m a loser, and Tara’s a felon.” P107
“The most honest words didn’t have to be loud or dramatic to cut deep.” P199
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse, Police brutality, and Mental illness
kimveach's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved these flawed and real characters and the problems they face when they keep secrets instead of communicating. I also loved the author's debut book, "We Are the Brennans," and look forward to more books from her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Mental illness, Police brutality, Abandonment, Ableism, Cancer, Addiction, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Confinement, Death of parent, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, and Panic attacks/disorders
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