Matthew Thomas explores complex family dynamics and personal identity in his singular novel, with a style lauded for its depth and psychological precision. His work delves into universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning. The author masterfully crafts characters and their internal struggles, drawing readers into an emotionally resonant narrative.
The memoir explores the profound journey of love and loss experienced by Matthew Thomas, who reflects on his marriage to Anne and the impact of her death. Through heartfelt anecdotes, he shares their life together, marked by joy, travel, and deep connection, while grappling with grief and the quest for meaning. This tribute not only honors their relationship but also delves into a humanistic faith that offers solace beyond traditional beliefs, creating an inspiring narrative of resilience and reconciliation.
The narrative offers an intense glimpse into the high-stakes world of law enforcement along America's southern border, highlighting the dangers and challenges faced by officers. Readers are immersed in the gripping realities of border patrol, showcasing the urgency and complexity of their mission to maintain safety and order in a tumultuous environment.
This multigenerational debut novel tells the poignant story of Eileen Tumulty, born in 1941 to Irish immigrant parents in Woodside, Queens. Her upbringing is marked by fluctuating moods, influenced by the presence of guests and alcohol. When Eileen meets Ed Leary, a scientist who embodies a different world than the men she knows, she believes he will help her achieve the cosmopolitan life she desires. However, after their marriage, Eileen realizes that Ed does not share her ambition for the American Dream. Despite her encouragement for him to seek a better life, Ed's reluctance reveals a deeper psychological struggle, leading to an inescapable darkness in their lives. As Eileen, Ed, and their son Connell strive to maintain their reality and the future they envision, the narrative explores the broader themes of the American Century, especially the allure of domestic happiness and economic success post-WWII. This affecting work of art emphasizes that life transcends mere victories and defeats, highlighting the importance of love and communication before time slips away. With its epic scope and masterful prose, this novel marks the emergence of a significant new voice in contemporary fiction.
LONGLISTED FOR THE GUARDIAN FIRST BOOK AWARD A stunning, heartbreaking debut - 'We Are Not Ourselves' is both the intimate story of a family and an epic of the American Century.
