The blogger admits to having read the book and deciding not to recommend it to the Book Group. Why? She was sure it wasn't a great discussion book. How wrong! Wednesday's discussion was rich and focused on the book. Although most members felt Toibin's book had serious flaws, there was enough in the novel to move readers and provoke some deep thinking and awaken some poignant memories....about family, Brooklyn of the '50s, first loves, mentors, rifts between generations.
Let's get the flaws over with first: The main character seems out of character with her times--the 50's--, culture--Irish Catholic, and youth when she had guilt-free sex. An odd coincidence that moves the plot seem implausible. Some of the characters are one-dimensional.
What was strong about the novel? The author creates a portrait of an impoverished, simple, strong, and loving Irish family faced with a diaspora...its children must emigrate to survive. The relationships among the members are simple and true. Their sacrifices touching. Their bonds feel right to the reader. And the things left unsaid--as in real life--well up in the readers' throat. Other characters add humor and a sense of time and place to the novel.
I accidentally deleted one member's question. If she resends it, we can try to answer it.
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