One for the Murphys Summary & Key Insights

Lynda Mullaly Hunt's "One for the Murphys" tells the story of twelve-year-old Connor Murphy, a boy grappling with the overwhelming weight of familial responsibility and the complexities of grief after the loss of his mother. Connor lives with his emotionally distant father, his older sister Colleen, and two younger twin brothers, the mischievous and inseparable Danny and Mikey. Their mother's death has shattered their family, leaving a void that each member processes in their own unique and often destructive way.

Connor, the self-appointed responsible one, feels burdened by the need to care for his siblings and support his father, who's struggling with depression and his own grief. He takes on chores beyond his years, shields his brothers from their father's moods, and tries desperately to maintain a semblance of normalcy. This heavy responsibility leads to Connor's academic struggles and his internalization of guilt and anger.

Colleen, resentful of the added burden of her mother's absence and her father's emotional unavailability, acts out through rebellious behavior, seeking solace in fleeting relationships and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Meanwhile, the twins, Danny and Mikey, amplify the chaos with their constant fights and need for attention, reflecting the instability in their household.

The family's fragile equilibrium is further challenged by the arrival of their Aunt Carol, a vibrant and eccentric woman who offers a stark contrast to their grief-stricken home. While initially met with suspicion and resistance, Aunt Carol's unconventional approach to life and love gradually begins to chip away at the family's hardened exterior. She introduces them to new experiences, encouraging them to embrace joy and connection, forcing them to confront their suppressed emotions.

Through Aunt Carol's intervention, and his own slow and painful journey, Connor begins to recognize the limitations of his self-imposed role as the family's caretaker. He starts to acknowledge his own needs and the importance of seeking help. Colleen slowly starts to heal, finding comfort in unexpected connections. Even the twins display moments of growth and understanding.

The central theme of the novel revolves around family, grief, and healing. It explores the complexities of familial relationships, highlighting the ways in which loss impacts each member differently. The novel demonstrates the importance of allowing oneself to grieve and the power of connection and forgiveness in overcoming trauma. It subtly emphasizes the need for children to be children, not burdened with adult responsibilities, and for adults to actively engage in fostering healthy emotional development within their families. Ultimately, "One for the Murphys" offers a hopeful message about the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of family bonds, even amidst profound loss and dysfunction.