We Are the Brennans

The novel explores the Brennan family’s relationships and shows they are the strongest, most content, and most prosperous together. At the novel's beginning, the divided Brennans are steeped in secrets, problems, and complications. Sunday’s loneliness causes her to drink too much and get into an accident. Denny’s disconnect from his family causes Theresa to separate from him, Jackie has difficulty rebuilding his life after his arrest, Mickey misses his daughter and the stability she provided, and Shane struggles with anxiety. Sunday’s secret overwhelms her in the beginning. However, when rebuilding her relationship with her family, she regains her joy and gains newfound confidence and assertiveness. When she pulls a gun on Billy, she tells him, “Get out and don’t ever come back. You fuck with one Brennan, you fuck with six Brennans” (190). Embracing her identity as a Brennan gives her the courage to scare Billy and remind him that he will pay for his actions. At his siblings’ insistence, Denny starts communicating with Theresa, and she and their daughter, Molly, move back into the house. Jackie starts working and painting again, and Mickey and Shane regain peace of mind with their family reunited.

Kale’s role within the Brennan family is another major element of the novel that exemplifies this theme.