One major theme in the novel, We Were the Mulvaneys, is perception, specifically how people view the members of the family and how the Mulvaneys perceive the people around them. Michael Mulvaney Sr. is the kind of man who thrives on the idea of being important in his community, of being a member of the elite crowd. Michael wants to be a member of the country club, he wants to be friends with mayors and senators, and he wants to be included in something he perceives as special. However, after his daughter is violated and Michael is caught up in the scandal of the situation, the perception of him by those around him changes. Suddenly, charismatic, charming Michael Mulvaney, is a hothead who attacked a well-respected member of the community and his son, and has.....
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