Our Little Cruelties

I really enjoyed the unique spin of this thriller which focuses on the three different brothers perspectives and which zooms in on intimate moments and memories the brothers shared from each of their different perspectives.

This novel follows three brothers: Will, Brian and Luke and the secrets that they share and also hide from one another and how it leads to all of their downfalls. Will the eldest is a professional producer of movies. Brian the middle child is a English teacher that spends some time in Paris working before becoming the family manager. And finally there is Luke the youngest who becomes an Irish pop sensation before eventually winding up washed up.

I previously read Skin Deep by Liz Nugent and loved it and was expecting that dark and brooding vibe that I found so propulsive in her precious thrillers. But this book is much more of a slow read and if I am being honest it was drawn out for a little bit too long. The last third reinforced each brothers deplorable behaviour and resulted in the reader remaining indifferent to the final plot twist which was unfortunate. If that was the purpose from the author I think it was a shame as I have found in previous thrillers dark characters very multifaceted and layered. Which has allowed me to both hate their behaviour but be shocked or sad about their sufferings. In this book I did not feel any connection to the main characters and so found the last third became more of a drag than pleasurable.

This book has some very strong elements to it. I loved the family dramas and the microscopic look this book takes into events and memories. I also enjoyed how this book tied well into its cultural landscape with the references to the #MeToo movement and current affairs. I liked the character development of the brothers and the intensity of our relationship as a reader to their most vulnerable moments.

But I unfortunately think this isn't the book I was expecting from the blurb and from the author. A good read but not as enjoyable as Skin Deep. However I love this author and will continue to read this authors other books.

Thanks to the author Liz Nugent, Penguin UK and Netgalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked how it began, after a while it felt like Nugent didn't get to the point, but, luckily, the last third saved the book's ass and redeemed the two other thirds that, at times, had felt a bit pointless.

I really disliked the last chapter from Daisy's perspective. It felt to me as if Nugent had suddenly forgotten what the book was about and blamed all of the happenings on the psychological condition Luke and Daisy were suffering from. It took away the focus from all the other shit that happened and that had nothing to do with Luke or Daisy. Imo, Daisy had enough issues without whatever Luke had to be damaged for a lifetime. I wish there would've been some sort of one-page monologue from Brian's or Will's perspective how they had ruined their lives by killing their brother, but owed it to Daisy to do everything in their power to make her life worth living yada yada.

I think this book might be a perfect candidate for a reread in a couple years – I think the beginning and middle part will really profit from the reader knowing the ending.

Three brothers are at the funeral. One lies in the coffin.

And so begins Our Little Cruelties, a story of the Drumm brothers, Will, Brian and Luke. The story moves through many years and touches on many milestones of Irish history, both big and small, including the visit of Pope John Paul, and the marriage equality referendum. As the brothers betray each other constantly and struggle with their demons - addiction, infidelity, and greed - Liz Nugent keeps up a wonderful pace and brings the story to a very satisfying conclusion.