Mercury by Amy Jo Burns

A roofing family’s bonds of loyalty are tested when they uncover a long-hidden secret at the heart of their blue-collar town—from Amy Jo Burns, author of the critically acclaimed novel Shiner

It’s 1990 and seventeen-year-old Marley West is blazing into the river valley town of Mercury, Pennsylvania. A perpetual loner, she seeks a place at someone’s table and a family of her own. The first thing she sees when she arrives in town is three men standing on a rooftop. Their silhouettes blot out the sun.

The Joseph brothers become Marley’s whole world before she can blink. Soon, she is young wife to one, The One Who Got Away to another, and adopted mother to them all. As their own mother fades away and their roofing business crumbles under the weight of their unwieldy father’s inflated ego, Marley steps in to shepherd these unruly men. Years later, an eerie discovery in the church attic causes old wounds to resurface and suddenly the family’s survival hangs in the balance. With Marley as their light, the Joseph brothers must decide whether they can save the family they’ve always known—or whether together they can build something stronger in its place.

Published by Celadon
on January 2, 2024

Review:

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

2024 is coming in hot! What’s funny is that I had never heard of this book or read anything by this author. I randomly got an email from the publisher stating this book was available for me to read on NetGalley, so I checked out the synopsis and downloaded it, and I am so happy I did! I’ve found my first 5-star read of the new year with this one, and I have a feeling it’s going to end up on a favorite list at the end of the year – it’s that good!

At the heart of the story is seventeen-year-old Marley West, a lonely and searching young girl who arrives in Mercury, PA, with the hope of finding a place to belong. Marley’s single mother is a nurse, and they’ve never lived anywhere for long, but with this being her senior year, she longs for a sense of stability.

From the moment she steps foot in Mercury, Marley is drawn to the Joseph brothers. She randomly attends a baseball game, and it’s after the game that Baylor – the oldest brother – spots Marley and offers to drive her home. The two start dating, but Baylor is distant and hard to connect with. Even after they stop seeing one another, Marley continues to have dinner with them thanks to an open invitation from Elsie, the matriarch of the Joseph family. Soon, Marley begins to date Wayland, the middle son, and the two fall madly in love. It’s not long before Marley finds herself pregnant and married to Wayland – cementing herself into the folds of the Joseph family. As the story progresses and Elsie and her health begin to unravel, it becomes clear that these men need a strong woman to corral them, and Marley’s presence is needed to hold these troubled men together. Eventually, it’s up to her to guide them through life’s challenges and provide a sense of stability in their tumultuous family.

I was absolutely captivated by this book. The characters are all so rich. As individuals, they were all deeply layered and complex, and as a family unit, they were fiercely loyal to one another but also constantly on the verge of collapsing. Burns skillfully explores the complexities of family dynamics and the strength of the women who keep them together. She vividly depicts the struggles faced by these characters, drawing readers into their world and making every emotion feel tangible.

The novel takes a surprising turn when an unsettling discovery is made in the church attic, leading to old wounds resurfacing and threatening the survival of the family. The “discovery” is unearthed at the top of the book, and as it progresses, we learn what happened. The revelation is shocking and heartbreaking all at once.
What I especially loved about this novel is the way Burns elevates the female characters. Marley, in particular, is a force to be reckoned with. Despite her young age, she possesses an inner strength that shines through in every interaction. She is not a passive character but rather a catalyst for change, constantly pushing those around her to confront their demons and evolve. Elsie is also incredible, and as we learn more about her and her past, we see so much of who she was mirrored in who Marley is.

Furthermore, Burns skillfully explores themes of identity and the search for belonging. Marley’s journey of self-discovery resonates with readers, reminding us of the universal desire to find our place in the world. Her story serves as a reminder that, sometimes, it is the connections we forge with others that shape our identity and give us the strength to face life’s challenges head-on.

Mercury is a haunting and evocative novel that stays with you long after you turn the final page. It is a beautifully written exploration of family, love, and the power of resilience. Amy Jo Burns has crafted a gem of a book filled with memorable characters and a story that will linger in your heart. Whether you are new to her work or a longtime fan, Mercury is a must-read for lovers of literary fiction. I will be singing my praises for months to come.