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We Are Not Ourselves summary
Brief summary
We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas is a poignant novel that follows the life of Eileen Tumulty as she navigates the complexities of ambition, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
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We Are Not Ourselves
Summary of key ideas
The American Dream and Its Consequences
In We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas, we journey through the life of Eileen Tumulty and her relentless pursuit of the American Dream. Born in 1941, Eileen's childhood is marked by her father's alcoholism and her mother's resilience. Determined to escape her humble beginnings, she marries Ed Leary, an intelligent and reserved scientist, hoping that he will provide her with the stability and upward mobility she craves.
As the couple starts a family, Eileen's relentless ambition drives Ed to pursue a better job and a larger house. Despite his growing reluctance, Ed complies, and they move to a new home in Bronxville, a neighborhood that Eileen has long desired. However, the American Dream they've been striving for begins to unravel as Ed is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at the age of fifty.
Struggles and Sacrifices
As Ed's condition deteriorates, Eileen becomes the primary caretaker, sacrificing her own dreams and aspirations to tend to her ailing husband and their son, Connell. She takes on multiple jobs, including a grueling night shift as a nurse, to ensure that they can afford Ed's medical care and Connell's education. As the years pass, Eileen is forced to confront the reality that the life she worked so hard to build is slipping away from her.
Connell, on the other hand, struggles with his father's illness and his mother's relentless drive for upward mobility. He rebels against the values his parents have instilled in him and drops out of college to pursue a career as a musician. This further strains Eileen's relationship with her son, who she feels is squandering the opportunities she has fought so hard to provide for him.
Acceptance and Reflection
As Ed's condition worsens, Eileen is forced to confront her own mortality and the futility of her relentless pursuit of the American Dream. She begins to accept her circumstances and find moments of joy and peace in her life, despite the challenges she faces. She also starts to reconcile with Connell, understanding that his path may be different from the one she envisioned for him.
After Ed's passing, Eileen, now in her seventies, reflects on her life and the choices she has made. She realizes that her relentless pursuit of the American Dream has come at a great cost, causing her to neglect the present in favor of an idealized future. Despite the hardships she has faced, Eileen finds solace in the love and memories she shared with Ed and Connell.
A Powerful Exploration of the Human Experience
In conclusion, We Are Not Ourselves is a powerful exploration of the human experience, examining the consequences of unbridled ambition and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams. Through Eileen's story, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment. The novel serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of the American Dream can come at a great cost, and that true happiness may lie in accepting and appreciating the life we have rather than the one we desire.
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What is We Are Not Ourselves about?
We Are Not Ourselves is a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of family, ambition, and the American dream. Set in New York, it follows the life of Eileen Tumulty as she strives for a better future for herself and her family. As she chases success and stability, she grapples with the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. This thought-provoking book explores the idea of identity and what it means to truly belong.
We Are Not Ourselves Review
We Are Not Ourselves (2014) follows the life of Eileen Tumulty as she pursues the American Dream while navigating the complexities of family and ambition. Here's why this book is worth diving into:
- Offers a deep exploration of human relationships, portraying the intricate dynamics within families and the impact of aspirations on personal connections.
- Provides a thought-provoking reflection on identity, mortality, and the pursuit of happiness, making readers ponder their own desires and choices.
- Through its raw and emotional storytelling, the book captures the essence of the human experience, ensuring a compelling and poignant read.
Who should read We Are Not Ourselves?
Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with rich, complex relationships
Those interested in exploring the complexities of the human condition and the pursuit of the American Dream
Individuals who appreciate thought-provoking narratives that delve into themes of identity, ambition, and resilience
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We Are Not Ourselves FAQs
What is the main message of We Are Not Ourselves?
The main message of We Are Not Ourselves is about the complexities of identity and the pursuit of the American Dream.
How long does it take to read We Are Not Ourselves?
The estimated reading time for We Are Not Ourselves is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is We Are Not Ourselves a good book? Is it worth reading?
We Are Not Ourselves is a compelling read that delves into family dynamics and personal ambition. It's definitely worth exploring.
Who is the author of We Are Not Ourselves?
The author of We Are Not Ourselves is Matthew Thomas.
What to read after We Are Not Ourselves?
If you're wondering what to read next after We Are Not Ourselves, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright