Review of The Trouble with Heroes by K. C. McRae
There’s something about a title like The Trouble with Heroes that instantly piques curiosity. I was drawn to K. C. McRae’s novel, not only for its intriguing premise but also for its promise to explore the complex relationship between reality and the ideals we hold about the people we admire. In a world where heroism often flirts with mythology, I found myself eager to dive into the heart of the story—one shaped by grief, memory, and the longing to understand.
At its core, the narrative follows thirteen-year-old Finn as he navigates the aftermath of his father Noah’s death, a firefighter whose heroics during crises left an indelible mark on the community—and on Finn himself. Yet, through the layers of glorified memories, the book grapples with a more painful truth: the paradox of viewing a loved one as a hero while struggling to see them as fully human. McRae captures that sentiment beautifully through poignant reflections like, “Sometimes people don’t know why they’re climbing. They only know it’s better than hurting standing still.”
As Finn journeys into his father’s past, the reader is also led through a labyrinth of emotion—feelings of anger and confusion bubble to the surface as he grapples with unresolved grief. For me, this was particularly resonant; I appreciated how the ambiguities surrounding Noah’s character were revealed gradually—scattered hints that painted a fragmented, yet vivid picture of a man grappling with the weight of trauma, especially in the wake of events like the 9/11 attacks. The line, “The Towers took something he couldn’t get back,” struck me deeply, capturing the essence of loss and the residual impacts of trauma.
While Finn’s trek up the mountains with the support of his father’s former colleagues added a layer of connection and healing, I felt the book hovered a bit too long in certain spots, hindering the emotional arc. The writing, presented in verse with multimedia elements, was a refreshing approach, yet at times, I found the pacing a tad inconsistent. Some moments felt overly coincidental, eliciting an eye roll, and a few lines (like Finn’s father’s comments on gender expression) struck me as unnecessary, detracting from the authenticity of their relationship.
However, Finn’s journey toward understanding his father and processing his grief truly shone in moments of raw vulnerability. The scene where Finn discovers the contents of the third box left me breathless, embodying the kind of poignant storytelling that stirs the soul. It’s a testament to McRae’s craft that such a gut-wrenching revelation could evoke such empathy; “None of it was okay—but I guess it sort of has to be, so we can figure out how to go on.”
With a mix of heartfelt exploration and a dash of adventure, The Trouble with Heroes invites readers to reflect on their definitions of heroism and the realities that often linger in the shadows. While the read may be a bit long for younger audiences, it provides significant food for thought that those navigating loss will find relatable.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories of growth, healing, and the delicate balance between reverence and truth in our relationships. McRae’s heartfelt narrative not only resonated with me but also reminded me of the beauty that exists in both love and heartbreak. It’s a journey worth taking, one that captures the essence of embracing both our grief and our love as we strive to understand the heroes we’ve lost.
Discover more about The Trouble with Heroes on GoodReads >>