Recently Read

Recently I finished the novel Brooklyn by Colm Tobin.I guess Im a little behind in "finding" this particular author,but his work was intoxicatingly simple and lovely so I look forward to delving into his other book.

This was a relatively short read on a singular topic..a young girl leaving her home in Ireland for a new life in America right after the  2nd world war. What is incredible is the manner in which her tale unfolds,and how she develops into an adult in many ways as the transition occurs,each character in the life of Eilin,the young girl (we never do find out her age)plays many roles in her development..from her first real boss at an upscale foodshop in her hometown to the priest who paves the way to the United State and onto the house mother of her new home in New York City.

Eilin never asks for any change; the store manager tells her she will start work on Monday, the priest says her ship departs in two months,and the land lady informs her that her belongings will be moved from one room to another, as she grows acclimated to life in Brooklyn,her Irish past seems something of a dream. Then of  course, she receives news in the email and is forced to use the voice (and the decision making ability)she slowly realizing lives deep with herself.

This book was delightfully understated and poignant.This child didn't look for a dream life in the land of the freeand yet as she made her way through the freezing streets of the city,she managed to find it.

I'll have to get the other book....