48 pages 1 hour read

Brother

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

Ania Ahlborn

Brother

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • 1980s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Ania Ahlborn's Brother, a young person named Michael grows up in a dysfunctional and abusive household in Appalachia. As Michael navigates the oppressive dynamics of his family, he grapples with moral dilemmas and desires for escape while contending with his family's dark secrets and the influences of his older brother.

Dark

Unnerving

Emotional

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Brother by Ania Ahlborn is praised for its gripping atmosphere, intense psychological depth, and engaging narrative. Readers commend the character development and eerie setting. However, some criticize its pacing and predictability in certain plot elements. Overall, it's a haunting and compelling read for those who appreciate dark psychological horror.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Brother?

A reader who enjoys Brother by Ania Ahlborn likely favors psychological thrillers with intense, dark themes and complex family dynamics. Fans of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn or Gone Girl may appreciate the chilling atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling.

Character List

Michael Morrow

Michael is the protagonist who struggles with the influence of his family while showing remorse for his past actions. Throughout the story, he grapples with his emotions and desires a peaceful life beyond his family's violent ways.

Reb is Michael's older brother and the story's antagonist, known for his rebellious nature and brutal actions. He creates intricate plans that drive much of the narrative and reveals a complex relationship with his family.

Alice is Michael's romantic interest who represents his desire to escape his family life. She is characterized by her independence and becomes central to the narrative's unfolding events.

Misty is Michael's creative younger sister who provides him with a sincere familial connection. Her relationship with Michael is significant to his motivations throughout the story.

Lauralynn is the deceased older sibling whose presence impacts the family dynamics. Her story highlights themes of independence and resistance within the family.

Momma, the matriarch of the Morrow family, holds significant control over her children and their actions. Her authority is central to the family's malicious activities.

Wade is the father figure who negatively influences the family, particularly through violence and substance abuse. His character contrasts with Momma's leadership, despite his own malicious tendencies.

Grandma Jean and Grandpa Eugene are Momma's parents who represent the roots of her trauma. Their past actions contribute to the cycle of abuse within the family.

Bonnie is revealed to be Michael and Alice's birth mother whose fate motivates significant changes in the narrative.

Lucy is Alice's friend and coworker who becomes entangled in Reb's plans. Her presence provides a contrast to the Morrow family's dysfunctionality.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • 1980s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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