+(23.JPG)
Reviewer: Alan Chin
Publisher: Scribner
Pages: 262
Eilis Lacey has come of age in small-town Ireland in the
years following WWII, living with her mother and older sister. She can’t find a
descent-paying job, so she hires on working behind the counter of a grocer, who
demands much yet pays only a pittance. When an Irish priest from America offers
to sponsor Eilis, she takes off on the adventure of her life, traveling to and
living in Brooklyn.
She finds work in a department story, and also finds Tony, a
blond Italian from a big family, who slowly wins her love. But a tragedy back
in her hometown turns her new adventure on its head, and she finds herself
caught in an interesting dilemma.
Toibin has recently become one of my favorite writers, and
this novel only made me appreciate his talent even more. It is an engaging and
emotionally resonant story, the main characters show a wonderful depth, and the
prose is nothing less than stunningly beautiful.
Toibin skillfully captures the desperation, and also the
hope and renewed energy of that time in America. He also captures the youth and exuberance of
his characters, and the reader has no choice but to feel their joy, their hope,
and their pain. Bravo!
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