My Rating: 4.8
In post WWII Ireland, and despite being skilled at bookkeeping, Eilis can't find a job. When an Irish priest from Brooklyn offers to sponsor Eilis in America--to live and work in a Brooklyn neighborhood "just like Ireland"--she decides she must go. Leaving her fragile mother and her charismatic sister behind, Eilis finds work in a department store on Fulton Street, This details Eilis having incredibly homesickness, getting to know her boarding house mates, and when she least expects it, finds love. Tony, a blond Italian from a big family, slowly wins her over with patient charm.
I normally like a plot driven book but, thanks to Toibin's gorgeous writing, this character driven book drew me in. Most of this takes place inside Eilis' mind so it is strange to realize that Toibin holds his characters at arms-length and, despite feeling so close to them, you realize you don't really know them at all. This novel is much deeper than it appears and will stay with me. I can't wait to read Long Island.
No comments:
Post a Comment