My Rating: 4.2
This is a continuation of his first book Brooklyn. It starts 20 years later with Eilis answering the door of her home in Long Island. I don't like to write spoilers so can't share more details (and don't read other reviews as they all have spoilers!).
This book continues with all of the characters from the first book. I have moved all over the world and, after the first couple of years in a place, I have made many wonderful friends and it has managed to feel like home so I found it frustrating that after 20 years, Eilis had no friends and put down no roots. The characters are written where you feel like you know them and yet you don't know them....you are even left with a desire to know them more. I think it is a testament to Toibin's amazing writing talents that I really enjoyed this book despite every character in it being dispicable. Not one of them makes good choices and I was so frustrated with all of them and their dysfunctional ways. That being said, I will absolutely read the next book that he will no doubt be writing baesd on how this one ended.
Great review, 100% agree. I felt like Toibin kept all of the characters at arms length from me. It was odd that I still wanted to read all the way to the end. Also, I saw Toibin interviewed and he claims that he will NOT write a third book. Not sure that I believe that but if he does I hope it doesn’t take 9 years!!
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