A review by apriltrepagnier
We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Book 2 for 2025 is We Are the Brennans (2021) by Tracey Lange. An enjoyable beach read, the Brennans are an Irish pub-owning family in New York who move through one tragic event that changes everything. What could have been written as heavy family trauma is treated lightly in this fairly predictable journey. 

 

The structure is interesting as the point of view shifts from character to character in each chapter. Often, this storytelling option can cause a bit of narrative whiplash and confusing busyness, but Lange’s consistent transitions create seamless moves that enhance rather than distract from the story; Lange’s choice in this area is probably my favorite characteristic of the book. 

 

It occurred to me pretty early that if I thought about what was actually going on in this story for too long, I would have hated it. I don’t know that it would survive a contemplative read. So, I just took it for the story that it was and enjoyed all of it – especially Shane.