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A review by faith_the_librarian
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
5.0
This book was one of the most moving and touching books I've read in a while maybe even ever. I don't think I've ever read a book where I sympathize with every single character. Brunt manages to make you empathize with every single character. Not only do you feel sorry for June when her uncle dies or when she gets teased by her sister but you also feel her sadness, her loneliness, her confusion. Yet you also empathize with June's sister Greta when she teases June or June's mother when she berates June. You don't agree with their actions but you understand them so well. Not many authors, even the great ones, can manage this feat. I think this is part of the what makes the book so realistic and so appealing. In real life, we all do things that are questionable or beneath us and we do it because of pain, sadness, and loneliness. We see all the characters, June included, engage in these types of acts.
Yet, they all have redeemable qualities as well. Ultimately, Brunt shows us their humanity in so many ways. Under Greta's mean streak is a hurt sister who only wants to reclaim the close relationship she had her baby sister. June and Greta's mother can be overbearing and possessive but we know that she loves both her daughters and her deceased. She often gives up her wants and desires for them. Even Finn, who seemed perfect at first glance, had flaws that revealed him to be just as human as his sister and his nieces. He loved his sister but didn't always value his relationship as much as he should.
The relationship between June and Toby is what allows Brunt to reveal everything else. Toby, in a way, acts as a foil. We learn about Finn's flaws, his sister's sacrifice, June's true feelings for her uncle and more from him. He is, perhaps, the most sympathetic and selfless character in the entire novel. Even his one "flaw" [spoilers removed] wasn't much of one. [spoilers removed]
The best thing about this novel is that through all the hurt and pain, everyone manages to ultimately do the most selfless acts in the name of love and compassion. Brunt manages to makes the reader feel hopeful because you know that in the end, all of these protagonists will take care of each other, no matter where they go or what they do.
Yet, they all have redeemable qualities as well. Ultimately, Brunt shows us their humanity in so many ways. Under Greta's mean streak is a hurt sister who only wants to reclaim the close relationship she had her baby sister. June and Greta's mother can be overbearing and possessive but we know that she loves both her daughters and her deceased. She often gives up her wants and desires for them. Even Finn, who seemed perfect at first glance, had flaws that revealed him to be just as human as his sister and his nieces. He loved his sister but didn't always value his relationship as much as he should.
The relationship between June and Toby is what allows Brunt to reveal everything else. Toby, in a way, acts as a foil. We learn about Finn's flaws, his sister's sacrifice, June's true feelings for her uncle and more from him. He is, perhaps, the most sympathetic and selfless character in the entire novel. Even his one "flaw" [spoilers removed] wasn't much of one. [spoilers removed]
The best thing about this novel is that through all the hurt and pain, everyone manages to ultimately do the most selfless acts in the name of love and compassion. Brunt manages to makes the reader feel hopeful because you know that in the end, all of these protagonists will take care of each other, no matter where they go or what they do.