We Were the Mulvaneys (Oprah Selection)

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Summary: The ups and downs pf a modern family
Review: "We Were the Mulvaney's" is a story that captures the spirit of a modern American family. It shows how this family faces and deals with a problem and its far-reaching effects. I became so involved in the book I couldn't put it down. Whether or not you agree with the people in the story and the decisions that they make, you will feel a part of the story until it's page-turning end

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Summary: American Novel 101
Review: Usually, a master of the craft of writing fiction, in We Were the Mulvaneys, Oates has created a textbook with which to teach the elements of fiction. I felt manipulated by this book. All the trite devices were included to jerk the reader's emotional strings. The characters did not really breathe but went through their paces. Like a painter working from photographs, Oates seems to be working from popular media, reworking tried and true images. A dark and usually uncompromising writer, Oates appears to be toying with the traditional family saga. The final chapter was obviously added on to make the book more palatable and marketable. This plot and these characters needed a less cerebral and calculating author. Had Oates more of an emotional investment in this book, she would never have written the final chapter. Fewer books would have sold but at least the book would have had more integrity.

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Summary: tedious
Review: I've greatly enjoyed most of Oprah's Book Club books, but this one has been a huge disappointment. I've never read so many words to describe so little action or emotion. Some books you're disappointed to finish, but with this one you keep plodding along toward the end, and then wonder why you bothered.

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Summary: We Were the Mulvaneys
Review: I have never before read a book where I actually did not care what happened to any of the characters. It left me angry and empty. A total waste of time and energy.

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Summary: Oprah, please!
Review: My last name is Mulvaney, so naturally I picked this up out of curiosity... Great name, terrible book. I love to read, and usually can't put a book down until it is finished, but this book moved so SLOWLY that I could hardly bear to finish it. I would get this from the public library if you MUST read it. Better have a cup of coffee ready.

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Summary: Disappointing
Review: This book appeals to literary critics because it is full of overblown prose. There were several times, as I read, that I wondered why a particular chapter was there in the first place - it added nothing and wasted my time. I do not believe that this family would manage to overcome its traumas in the way the book has them doing so - the way in which each person evolved and splintered and eventually changed was not believable in any case save, perhaps, for Marianne....

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Summary: One of the worst I've ever read
Review: I'm from a large Irish Family in upstate NY, so I thought I would be able to relate to this book. Unfortunately, it's so slow moving and non eventful, I can hardly stand to finish it. The author jumps all over the place, and from person to person. The character who experienced the rape is hardly dealt with at all. I would NOT recommend spending your money on this one.

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Summary: Poignantly True-to-life
Review: As a member of the graduating class of 1976 (like Patrick Mulvaney) I feel that this story brilliantly portrays characters of that "era", as well as prevalent attitudes of society in general during the 70's and 80's. The Mulvaney's inability to cope with the tragedies which befall them, and their tendency to "sweep it under the rug" was so typical then. I am grateful that our society now is much more open and supportive of those whose lives are touched by such grievous problems as rape and alcoholism. I loved this book, and recommend it wholeheartedly.

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Summary: A Very Long Tale of Woe
Review: This story was soooooooo long that about 3/4 of the way through I was thinking "enough already" ~~~ I enjoyed the picturesque farm country and the image of "small town life" BUT all I can say is: how times have changed!! I can't believe the lack of emotional support given to the rape victim (the Mulvaney daughter) in this book. It was hard for me to imagine parents, especially the mother, feeling the "shame" for themselves and doing absolutely nothing to help their daughter. Although, the book semi held my interest and I did finish it, it was pretty slow going at times.. I closed the book and said "so long" !!

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Summary: Dreadful Reading
Review: I am having a terrible time reading this book through completion. The character development is slow and unrealistic. I am half way through the book and there hasn't been any time spent on focusing on the personal trauma felt by the daughter. Instead, the author continues to focus on the pitiful patriarch and his inability to love his family unconditionally. It is doubtful that I will read another book written by this author.