Being part of a family brings both delight and heartbreak. It’s complicated. In the character driven family drama, Mercury by Amy Jo Burns, the reader is immersed in the difficult family relationships created by secrets and generational trauma. This is my second book by Burns, and her debut fiction novel, Shiner, was a Top Ten Read in 2021: 2023 Book Whisperer review.
Mercury is the name of the small Pennsylvania town on the outskirts of Pittsburgh where the story is set in 1990. Burns models the town of Mercury after her own hometown and uses her family’s experiences as roofers to introduce us to the Joseph family. The main character, 17-year-old Marley, sees three figures on a roof on her first day in town. Lonely and bored, she becomes involved with the oldest son and soon has a seat at their table. Marley is desperate to belong!
Over the next eight years, Marley’s responsibilities in the Joseph family and the business increase as she learns to navigate life in the family home. While telling the story, Burns explores many relationships: husbands and wives, siblings, in laws and friends. I was invested in every single one.
When a dead body is discovered in the attic of the Presbyterian church, secrets are revealed that force the family members to make difficult decisions. How much are they each willing to sacrifice for family? What does it ultimately mean to belong?
From the first scene, I could not turn the pages fast enough. Messy family dramas are my kryptonite, and this one is very messy.
Look for these recommendations and other books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent book store each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to make you one, too. For more recommendations or just to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
