Colm Tóibín

This is a book about Katherine, an Irish Protestant who leaves her husband and son a few pages into the story. She moves to Barcelona, and discovers a talent for painting, and a new man, Miguel. The book describes, in both the third person and in Katherine's voice, her life there and as they move together to the remote Pyrennees. It tells her story as Miguel and the child they have together no longer form part of her life, and as she returns to Ireland to meet again her now adult child from her marriage. Katherine is a woman who does not explain herself to us, or even to herself. In many ways we hardly know her. Yet her wistful presence, and the powerful evocation of 1950s Catalonia and Ireland make for a compelling, if unsettling read.… (more)

Last year, I read 'Brooklyn' by the same author, and it was one of my Books of the Year. It stays with me still. So I approached 'Norah Webster' with some eagerness. And I was disappointed. I strongly disliked Norah, amazed that she could neglect her sons so comprehensively during the time of her husband's fatal illness, and then after his death. We join the story some time after that death. I admired the spare, taut narrative. I didn't mind that the story was not plot-driven. But in the end, I simply wasn't all that interested in turning the pages, though matters improved for me once Norah discovered music. On reflection, I feel this book may be one that seems better for a bit of distance. I may even be tempted to re-read it. But not this week.… (more)

This may be my book of the year. It's the story of quiet, undemonstrative, passive Eilis, sent to America by her family to get work though she, like they, would sooner have stayed at home. She's accepting of all the difficulties of the horrific voyage, a new job not of her choosing, her boarding house presided over by an Irish immigrant, her loneliness. She seeks to better herself by gaining book keeping qualifications, and in due course she meets Tony. He's clearly a lovely lad, and she likes him a lot. But does she love him? She rather supposes not. The plot twists when a family tragedy summons Eilis back to Enniscorthy.... and here you'll have to find out for yourself how the plot moves on. This is a simply written undemonstrative book,in which we come to care very much about unspophisticated Eilis. Emotionally engaging, this book charmed its way under my skin… (more)

Brooklyn - Toibin
Audio performance by Kirsten Potter
4 stars

This was a good book to follow several books that were high tension reading.It’s a very low key story. Eilis Lacey has the usual struggles of a young woman in a new land. Difficult adjustments, certainly, but nothing earth shattering. Her story was interesting to me without disturbing my peace.

The stifling, judgemental atmosphere of the mid-century Irish village caused me some frustration. I wanted Eilis to find some assertive rebellion. She was fortunate to have her sister's manipulative backing. I enjoyed looking over Eilis’ shoulder as she adjusted to life in Brooklyn. This is a book of detailed character study with a rich historic atmosphere. It wasn’t exciting, but I liked it.

I’m looking forward to checking out the upcoming sequel, Long Island, in May, 2024.… (more)