This was the first time I have read anything by Colm Toibin and I will certainly look for more. This lovely, quiet book had no explosions (literally or figuratively). Nothing jumped off the page to grab my attention or shake me. Yet, it was completely enjoyable, beautifull written and delightful.
Ms/ Toibin explores the immigrant experience and the concept of home through a shy, but ambitious Irish girl. Eilis is sent to America by her mother and older sister in hopes that she will find the bright future that eludes her in her small Irish town. Upon her arrival in New York she begins to change and grow. Her new experiences allow her to discover who she is seperate from her home and small town. When she is unexpectedly called home she has to choose between her new life and her old one.
This book is so much more then the plot suggests. Though the surprise ending keeps you interested, it is the beautiful, lyrical language that will have you savoring each line. Toibin brings to life the the sea voyage in third class cabins, the parish dances, and the stuffy boarding house. She does a great job of evoking the homesickness and loneliness of a young girl on her own for the first time.
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Hi Kelly, thanks for the sweet comment over on my blog. I am going to request Brooklyn at my library today. I finished The Help by stockett last night. Could not put it down, loved it so much and I am sorry I am finished because I really was attached to the characters.
ReplyDeleteAbout the bloggger issue. If you go back to my post read the other's comments.. I think it was marlene, she solved it for me!