In her third novel, following the success of We Are the Brennans and The Connellys of County Down, Tracey Lange delves deep into the complexities of marriage, family bonds, and the devastating impact of unspoken pain. Set in the close-knit community of Potsdam, New York, What Happened to the McCrays? masterfully weaves together past and present to tell a story of love, loss, and the possibility of redemption.
The Story
The narrative centers on Kyle McCray, who returns to his hometown after a two-and-a-half-year absence when his father suffers a stroke. His homecoming forces him to confront the aftermath of his sudden departure, particularly his relationship with his ex-wife Casey, a beloved middle school teacher who hasn’t moved on. Through alternating timelines, we discover the deep love story between Kyle and Casey, from their teenage years to their marriage, and the tragic loss of their son Charlie that shattered their world.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Lange’s prose is both elegant and accessible, with a remarkable ability to capture the nuances of human emotion. Her dual-timeline structure effectively builds tension while revealing the layers of Kyle and Casey’s relationship:
Key strengths include:
Masterful pacing between past and present
Authentic dialogue that rings true to each character
Rich atmospheric details that bring Potsdam to life
Skillful handling of complex emotional themes
Character Development
The author excels at creating multidimensional characters whose flaws and struggles feel deeply human. Kyle and Casey’s evolution throughout the novel is particularly well-crafted, showing how grief can both destroy and ultimately heal relationships. Supporting characters like Wyatt (Casey’s brother) and Danny (Kyle’s father) are fully realized, each contributing significantly to the story’s emotional depth.
Thematic Depth
The novel explores several interconnected themes with remarkable sensitivity:
The nature of grief and its impact on relationships
The importance of community in healing
The power of forgiveness and second chances
The role of truth in emotional healing
The transformative potential of youth sports
Technical Elements
Lange demonstrates particular skill in:
Building and maintaining tension
Creating memorable scenes that resonate emotionally
Balancing multiple storylines without losing focus
Incorporating hockey as both plot device and metaphor
The Role of Setting
Potsdam emerges as a character in its own right, with its harsh winters, close-knit community, and unique landmarks like Robar’s controversial toilet garden. The setting perfectly mirrors the emotional landscape of the story – both beautiful and challenging, requiring resilience to thrive.
Minor Critiques
While the novel is overwhelmingly successful, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
Some secondary plot threads could be more fully developed
The resolution might feel too neat for some readers
Certain supporting characters could use more dimension
The Hockey Element
The middle school hockey team serves as more than just a plot device – it becomes a powerful metaphor for teamwork, perseverance, and the possibility of redemption. Lange’s handling of these scenes shows remarkable authenticity, capturing both the technical aspects of the sport and its emotional impact on the characters.
Emotional Impact
What sets this novel apart is its honest portrayal of grief and its aftermath. Lange doesn’t shy away from showing how loss can destroy even the strongest relationships, while also offering hope for healing. The way she handles Casey’s mental health struggles is particularly noteworthy for its sensitivity and realism.
Style Comparison
Readers who enjoyed Emily Giffin’s All We Ever Wanted or Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone will find similar emotional depth here, though Lange’s voice is distinctly her own. Her style combines literary sophistication with accessible storytelling, making the novel both thoughtful and engaging.
The Heart of the Story
At its core, “What Happened to the McCrays?” is a story about the courage it takes to face painful truths and the possibility of finding love again after devastating loss. The relationship between Kyle and Casey feels authentic in both its brokenness and its potential for healing.
Notable Strengths
Complex character development
Authentic dialogue
Strong sense of place
Skillful handling of difficult themes
Engaging subplot involving youth sports
Well-paced revelation of backstory
Room for Improvement
Some secondary characters could be more developed
Certain plot resolutions feel slightly rushed
A few timeline transitions could be smoother
Final Analysis
What Happened to the McCrays? is a powerful addition to contemporary literary fiction, offering a profound meditation on love, loss, and the possibility of redemption. Lange’s ability to handle complex emotional terrain while maintaining narrative momentum makes this a compelling read from start to finish.
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
Character-driven contemporary fiction
Stories about family dynamics
Sports-themed narratives
Emotional depth and complexity
Dual-timeline structures
Impact and Resonance
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its honest portrayal of how people cope with devastating loss and the possibility of finding hope again. It’s a reminder that even the deepest wounds can heal with time, truth, and the courage to face our pain.
Conclusion
What Happened to the McCrays? confirms Tracey Lange’s place as a masterful chronicler of family dynamics and emotional truth. While not perfect, it’s a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and the courage it takes to begin again. The novel reminds us that sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves, and that true healing often requires facing the very truths we’ve tried hardest to avoid.