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A review by readingwithtrey
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Connellys of County Down begins with Tara Connelly being released from prison after serving 18 months due to a drug trafficking charge. While incarcerated, she doesn't see much of her 2 siblings Geraldine and Eddie, and neither of them show up to pick her up. After returning home, she soon finds that so much as changed since she left, and not for the better.
Geraldine is the oldest sister and has taken care of her Eddie and Tara since she was a young teen. We quickly learn that she has had too much pressure and responsibility on her shoulders for far too long and it has begun to have devastating impacts on her life.
Eddie suffers from a traumatic brain injury and is doing his best as a single dad. His son Conor brings comedic relief to the novel.
This was such a beautiful story examining the impact that familial relationships can have on our lives and the decisions we make. I loved how each of the Connelly siblings had a role that they played in keeping their dysfunctional family together.
One of my favorite messages from the story was that it's okay to ask for help. I really appreciated that the author included therapy in the story and that it wasn't just mentioned, but was a crucial part.
This one was easily bingeable. I finished about 65% of it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It was perfectly executed, and I have zero complaints. I will definitely be reading We Are the Brennans and anything else that Tracey Lange writes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Geraldine is the oldest sister and has taken care of her Eddie and Tara since she was a young teen. We quickly learn that she has had too much pressure and responsibility on her shoulders for far too long and it has begun to have devastating impacts on her life.
Eddie suffers from a traumatic brain injury and is doing his best as a single dad. His son Conor brings comedic relief to the novel.
This was such a beautiful story examining the impact that familial relationships can have on our lives and the decisions we make. I loved how each of the Connelly siblings had a role that they played in keeping their dysfunctional family together.
One of my favorite messages from the story was that it's okay to ask for help. I really appreciated that the author included therapy in the story and that it wasn't just mentioned, but was a crucial part.
This one was easily bingeable. I finished about 65% of it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It was perfectly executed, and I have zero complaints. I will definitely be reading We Are the Brennans and anything else that Tracey Lange writes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Cancer