A review by spongebobbiii
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange

emotional reflective 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? Yes

5.0

"The Connelly's of County Down" by Tracey Lange is an absolute gem that captivated me from beginning to end. This ARC, provided by NetGalley, introduced me to a story that I simply adored in every aspect, from the engaging plot to the beautifully crafted characters.


Right from the start, I had a strong inkling that this would be a five-star read, and by the time I reached 60% of the book, my conviction had only solidified. There were several reasons why I became completely absorbed in this story.


One of the key elements that drew me in was the compelling storyline of Tara, a recent felon released from prison after a drug charge. As someone who has worked closely with individuals involved in the criminal justice system, I was eager to see if the book would accurately depict their struggles and the prevalent misconceptions. In my opinion, the author did an excellent job highlighting the internal conflicts faced by those who have served time, the disappointment and shame experienced by their families, and the numerous challenges individuals on parole encounter, such as securing employment, dealing with stigma, and facing discrimination. By following different points of view, the narrative allowed me to delve into Tara's inner thoughts and emotions, as well as gain insight into her brother, sister, and even the detectives who arrested her on the original charge.


Furthermore, the inclusion of a mental health therapist and a few therapy sessions added a nice touch to the story. As a mental health therapist myself, I tend to be quite discerning about the representation of therapy in literature, but I found this portrayal to be reasonably accurate. It is rare for me to encounter therapy depictions that don't make me cringe, so I was pleasantly surprised by the author's handling of this aspect. The characters in the book were well-developed, with carefully woven backstories that lent them an authentic feel.


I stumbled upon this book randomly on NetGalley and decided to request it for review based on the intriguing synopsis. I am absolutely delighted that I took that chance and was approved. "The Connelly's of County Down" provided me with immense reading pleasure, and I can easily envision myself revisiting its pages in the future.


In summary, this book is a triumph in storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration. I highly recommend "The Connelly's of County Down" to anyone seeking a captivating read that delves into the complexities of human emotions, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system to society.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings