Plot Summary

We Are Not Ourselves

Matthew Thomas
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We Are Not Ourselves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Matthew Thomas

We Are Not Ourselves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

656

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1940s-2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas is a 2014 debut novel that follows Eileen Tumulty Leary from a challenging childhood with her alcoholic father and depressed mother, through her academic achievements, marriage to scientist Ed Leary, the birth of their son Connell, and the struggles the family faces as Ed develops early-onset Alzheimer’s. The narrative highlights Eileen's resilience and dedication amid life's trials. Sensitive topics include alcoholism, domestic violence, and mental health issues.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.8

38,461 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas is praised for its poignant depiction of an Irish-American family's struggles with illness and ambition. Reviewers commend the depth of character development and emotional resonance. However, some critics note pacing issues and an occasionally overwhelming narrative detail. Overall, it is a moving and intricate family saga.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Are Not Ourselves?

Readers who appreciate We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas will likely enjoy deeply moving, multigenerational family sagas. Fans of Jonathan Franzen’s The Corrections or Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex will find the intricate character development and exploration of the American dream particularly compelling.

3.8

38,461 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

We Are Not Ourselves was a finalist for the 2014 James Tait Black Prize for Fiction, Britain's oldest literary award.

Matthew Thomas spent ten years writing We Are Not Ourselves, balancing his work as a full-time high school teacher with crafting the novel.

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The novel was named one of The New York Times Book Review's 100 Notable Books of 2014, highlighting its critical acclaim.

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Book Details
Pages

656

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1940s-2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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