The Burgess Boys

Summary

The novel "The Burgess Boys" by Elizabeth Strout delves into the intricate dynamics of the Burgess family. At the heart of the story are brothers Jim and Bob Burgess, who grew up in a small town in Maine but moved to New York City to escape memories of a childhood tragedy. Jim has become a successful lawyer, while Bob is a less fortunate attorney. Their sister Susan remained in their hometown. The plot unfolds when Susan's son, Zach, commits an act of vandalism by throwing a pig's head into a mosque, leading to a scandal and legal proceedings. The brothers return to their hometown to help their sister and nephew, confronting the past they tried to forget. In the process, they reevaluate their relationships with each other and their family, uncovering old grievances and secrets. The novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the search for identity.