Bickering, Laughing, Loving
Eileen is a widow, living in Tipperary with her "spirited" mother-in-law Nana, and raising Saoirse-- born the same day as her father died in an auto accident. The two older women fight constantly, trade barbs, weather hardships and tragedies-- and love each other immensely. The impassioned bonding holding this family together is unbreakable; it is the delicacy of the book.
We watch Saoirse growing up from birth to motherhood, and while she appears initially to be the focus of the novel, the relationship between the older women upstages all else. The humor and joy and laughter these women share elevates this story to a celebration of the world they live in.
The book was labeled a multi-generational novel and I paused, envisioning a long and stuffy, winding-family-tree sort of affair. But no, every chapter is 500 words, and this is not a gimmick, it keeps the pacing brisk. Donal Ryan, rapidly becoming a favorite author of mine, has taken an everyday journey of life in Ireland and has painted a heartwarming portrait of a remarkable family. Highly recommended, five brilliant stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eileen is a widow, living in Tipperary with her "spirited" mother-in-law Nana, and raising Saoirse-- born the same day as her father died in an auto accident. The two older women fight constantly, trade barbs, weather hardships and tragedies-- and love each other immensely. The impassioned bonding holding this family together is unbreakable; it is the delicacy of the book.
We watch Saoirse growing up from birth to motherhood, and while she appears initially to be the focus of the novel, the relationship between the older women upstages all else. The humor and joy and laughter these women share elevates this story to a celebration of the world they live in.
The book was labeled a multi-generational novel and I paused, envisioning a long and stuffy, winding-family-tree sort of affair. But no, every chapter is 500 words, and this is not a gimmick, it keeps the pacing brisk. Donal Ryan, rapidly becoming a favorite author of mine, has taken an everyday journey of life in Ireland and has painted a heartwarming portrait of a remarkable family. Highly recommended, five brilliant stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
