The Truth about the Devlins

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of alcohol addiction and gambling addiction, as well as historical and systemic racism.

“John, my older brother, the firstborn son, the Most Valuable Devlin. Me, I’m the black sheep, the baby of the family, the charming disappointment. John was Class President, and I was Class Clown. He was Most Likely to Succeed, I was Most Likely to Get a Speeding Ticket.”

In these opening sentences, Scottoline sets up the relationship dynamic between TJ and John, as well as their respective places in the family. TJ’s identification of John as the “Most Valuable Devlin” highlights not only his understanding of John’s place in the family but also hints at his envy—he has never achieved this position. Not only that, these sentences serve as character development for TJ—his awareness of not only their respective personalities but also his wry assessment of their family roles, shows his intelligence and self-awareness.

“When we were growing up, she used to save wrapping paper and give us blank birthday cards so that they could be reused. The first time she signed my birthday card, I knew we were rich.”

In the present, they are a wealthy and influential family in Philadelphia, but TJ remembers when his parents struggled to make ends meet. While he and his mother both look back on those times with fondness, Paul and John do not, setting up an underlying family conflict that revolves around class. This issue also ties into the theme of The Intersection of Justice and Privilege, as the Devlin family comes to grips with how their privilege has allowed them to escape accountability.

“I was a better player than my brother, but I never got a game ball.”

This quote adds another layer of tension to TJ and John’s relationship. Scottoline highlights how their father, Paul, adds to and complicates their relationship as well.