The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout

Feeling hummed in and claustrophobic in their home town of Shirley Falls, Maine, both of the Burgess men have ended up instead in New York City.  Jim is the star of the family, a lawyer whose defense work in a trial as publicized as that of the O.J. Simpson trial, made his reputation.  These days he's a partner in a huge New York law firm, serving the wealthy.  Bob has never really made a mark in life.  An early tragedy changed his life forever, leaving him unable to forget but still full of love for others.  He works as a public defender, living in a small apartment and spending his days aimlessly when he isn't working.

But its time to rally the wagons.  Their nephew, Zach, has been arrested.  Son of Bob's twin sister, Susan, he is accused of throwing a pig's head into a Muslim place of worship.  Zach is a lost soul, no friends, no real life outside of a menial job and whatever he does in his bedroom.  Susan reaches out to her brothers to help.  Even though neither wants to go back to Maine, the pull of family is strong.

Bob goes first and tries to build a relationship with Zach.  Jim comes later and uses his influence to talk to those in power and try to get the charges dismissed.  But the Somali refugees worshipping that day were terrified and are now furious.  There is talk of adding federal hate crime charges.  As the Burgess family unites to try to work out the situation, their past lives are relived as they start to learn the truths that the family has always kept hidden.

Elizabeth Strout is a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist.  In this novel, she explores family dynamics and how relationships are difficult to change, even when they are not sustaining.  She allows the reader to get an in depth view of each man's personality and the realization that all is not as it seems on the surface.  She explores the power of love and forgiveness, but also the need to hold others accountable.  This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.