We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates

WEEKEND READS BY CHERIE COOPER

BOOK REVIEW

Joyce Carol Oates. What a woman. What a writer. What a whirlwind of productivity, sensitivity, and….quite a lot of creepiness, actually.

Oates is one of those authors who can write in any genre and do it brilliantly. Some of her books are extremely dark – short, scary tales that turn your stomach. Others are sweeping historical tales rich in detail. Whatever she writes about, Oates is imaginative, bold, and refreshing. And she’s not afraid of an exclamation mark – the sign of a true visionary in my opinion.

The book I’m writing about today is a family saga full of heart and heartbreak – and it’s impossible to dislike.

We Were the Mulvaneys is an epic tale of love, trauma, and family. It’s a hefty book, both physically, and in subject matter.

The Mulvaneys are upstanding citizens in their small community until an unthinkable tragedy splinters their family. Each Mulvaney is irrevocably impacted and the pain they feel echoes for decades to come.

Oates is such a gifted writer, she effortlessly keeps the narrative moving while somehow simultaneously delving into the complex pain of her characters. She has such masterful control over her writing.

This is a great book but be warned – you will cry! (A lot.) I certainly did.

Cherie Cooper

Cherie lives, works, and reads in beautiful Tasmania – the green island gem below Australia known for its gorgeous landscape and beautiful wildlife. She holds multiple academic qualifications in English, journalism, and fine art theory, and has worked in writing, editing, and communications roles for more than a decade. Most importantly, she has a deep love for books that began as soon as she learned how to read.

Old, new, any genre – for Cherie, reading is about as vital as breathing. She is interested in sharing books that move, excite, and compel, so others can share the joy of a truly great read. While she reads across most genres, her favourite is literary fiction. Particularly anything by Margaret Atwood, Ottessa Moshfegh, Kate Atkinson, Elizabeth Berg, Ann Patchett, and Anne Tyler.

Cherie frequents Tasmania’s beautiful boutique book shops as well as scouring secondhand shops for books to add to her extensive home library. Catch up with her on LinkedIn and on Instagram.