62 pages • 2 hours read
We Were the Mulvaneys
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Book Brief
454
Novel • Fiction
Chautauqua Valley, New York • 1970s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates, set in 1970s rural Northeastern U.S., explores the collapse of the seemingly perfect Mulvaney family after a traumatic event involving their daughter Marianne disrupts their unity. The novel follows each family member's struggles and the long-term impact on their lives, culminating in a poignant family reunion years later. Sensitive topics regarding sexual assault are present.
Melancholic
Dark
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
104,562 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Joyce Carol Oates' We Were the Mulvaneys explores the complexities and fractures within a seemingly perfect family. Critics praise Oates' poignant narrative and rich character development. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the story's emotional depth overwhelming. Overall, it’s a compelling examination of family dynamics and the repercussions of trauma.
Who Should Read We Were the Mulvaneys?
A reader who enjoys complex, character-driven family sagas would relish We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates. Ideal for fans of The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy and The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, this novel explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the intricate dynamics within a family.
104,562 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
454
Novel • Fiction
Chautauqua Valley, New York • 1970s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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