A Silent Understanding

The Kilteegan Bridge Story #5

by Jean Grainger

Kilteegan Bridge, Co Cork, Ireland. 1975



Lena Kogan is thrilled when her son Emmet invites her to the opening of his first building in San Francisco. It’s awkward that she will be staying with Emmet’s father Malachy Berger, but he’s in a serious relationship now, and anyway, he knows how Lena feels about Eli, so surely they can just be friends.

Her sister Emily, is less adventurous. She's happy to stay at home with her family and a thriving business, that is until her daughter Nellie drops another bombshell on her about what she plans to do next. A move nobody could have anticipated and few support.

Her brother Jack is living contentedly on his farm with Skipper, until a couple of late-night visitors cause them to risk everything they’ve guarded so carefully. Intervening to help could mean exposure in a state where men like them are on the wrong side of the law, but some things are just too important to ignore.

In this final book of The Kilteegan Bridge Story, the O’Sullivans come to a silent understanding of each other and of themselves.

Genres: Ireland, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2023

About the author

Jean Grainger was born in Cork, Ireland. She has been a tour guide of her beloved home country, a teacher, a university lecturer and a playwright. She began writing fiction at the suggestion of her clients on tours, many of whom were sure all the stories she told them would make for a great book. Her first book, The Tour, has become a Number 1 bestseller on Amazon. It tells the story of a disparate group of American visitors to Ireland, who, along with their Irish tour guide have a life changing experience in the magical Emerald Isle.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.

Reviews

[Heidi (MinxyD14) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a significant investment of time and emotion to read a five-book series; therefore, I am a bit perplexed by how the conclusion to the story/series was plotted. And, while I do love her writing, why oh why did the author feel compelled to introduce more characters with the storyline about the O'Neills? They took up valuable time that could have been spent on the main characters.

HUGE spoilers ahead ... So, we get a much-desired happy ending briefly mentioned at the end of the epilogue. LITERALLY, THE LAST PAGE! For the whole book, Malachy is with someone else both romantically and physically (not too steamy but with some descriptions). Additionally, I would love to know why there is a detailed account of Nellie becoming a nun and taking orders, but there is no substantial detail of the rekindled love affair, courting or marriage between Lena and Malachy. It is a disappointment.

[Mona C. Rocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful discovery in 2022

I am 80 years o!d of Irish descent and an avid reader. In 2022 I discovered Jean Grainger as an author and have comp!eted all of her books and series available. I sincerely hope she will soon gift us with more of her incredible talent. Thank you Jean.. God bless!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great ending to the Kilteegan Bridge saga! I don’t want to give any spoilers but this was truly moving - I had a tear in my eye which does not often happen! A great series of books - educational, amusing, never hard going or predictable, just easy to read, well written and thoroughly enjoyable.

[Morgan Spiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I loved this entire series so much, the thing that made me a bit sad was all the build up to Malachy and Lena ending up together to only get one page of closure. I would have loved to see either a few chapter of them married or of him courting her and them rekindling their past romance. I was taken back by the abrupt ending it felt and they definitely deserved more than one page. Other than that it was such an amazing series!

[Marianne Seibel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I don't recommend this as a stand alone read since it is #5 in a series

t's always fun for me to read a Jean Grainger novel. The characters in her series become your friends and neighbors and this reader always wants to know more about them and their families.

This last book in the Kilteegan Bridge series had many characters from the early books in the series plus several new characters. I didn't feel it was necessary to include every character from the prior books plus develop a brand new conflict or two, but all the loose ends were tied up into a satisfactory ending.

[Lisa Crowe smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series

I very much enjoyed reading the final Kilteegan bridge story it's been enjoyable from the very beginning. A series I'd recommend for anyone. Thanks again Jean Grainger for another wonderful series

[DonnaBeeSparkly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parting is such sweet sorrow - sad to reach the final book in the series, but of course thrilled to be reunited with this group of characters once again. It is a talent to be able to create multidimensional characters and to have intersecting stories that develop over years and decades, and still keep a readers' interest. I enjoy being immersed in the lives of the O'Sullivans, their family, and friends, and to be able to follow along their lives, and to be able to reflect on their stories and how they might apply to current day situations in the world. I think the strength of this series is the characters, and I always hope that I take a little bit of what I think is the best of each character and try to bring that into my real life.

[Melissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Ms Granger delivered a flawless, totally readable, enjoyable book with realistic believable characters.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An appropriate ending to a wonderful series. To follow the lives of the Kilteegan people is to follow the lives of any small town inhabitants. This author is very adept at writing a smooth flowing narrative which draws the reader in and holds their attention. I always enjoy a story by Jean Grainger and look forward to reading her next book!

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Silent Understanding is the fifth and final book in the wonderful Kilteegan Bridge family saga. It continues on from the previous books so I highly recommend that you read these books in order. Jean Grainger is an excellent author and this is an incredible series.

With everyone trying to get back to some sort of reality following the events in the previous book life is difficult. Lena is particular is struggling.
This book is just as beautiful as the others, it will break your heart and lift it in joy. All the main characters have roles in this book and their lives, while concluding in print, will go on in our imaginations.

I loved this book and series and cannot recommend it highly enough. I guarantee you will not only love this book you will also learn some interesting nugget of information or a snippet of history to fascinate and delight as you follow this delightful, flawed, honest family through highs and lows of their Irish lives.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this Kilteegan Bridge series has spread to include people of so many cultures, so many countries, so many religions around the world, all with a connection to this little Irish community. Following Lena's life and the life of all her family (including parents, siblings, children, loves, cousins and friends) has been very interesting indeed, and I am sure that the characters in this story will stay in my mind for many years to come.

I was an ARC reader for all the books in this series, and the author, Jean Grainger, puts in a great deal of research and effort to tell stories completely with all the historical and geographical detail required to make a reader feel like they are right there in the center of it all. She tells it like it is, without apology, and never disappoints in her story telling.

[Mrs G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending to a superb series. Lena and Malachy finally realise that they are meant to be together. Emmet develops his skills under his biological fathers' guidance deciding that America is where he needs to be. Jean does not shy away from the history of the Catholic orphanages and the cruelty endured by the children in their care. The story of the two runaway sisters taken in by Skipper and Jack is very moving, but fits in perfectly with the overall story. The compassion of Jeans' writing shines through. An excellent read, I was sorry when I finished not just the book but the whole series.

[Lisa Thomason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series, although this family lives a fairly charmed, to the point of unrealistic, life. There are setbacks, but aside from the death of a main character, things resolve quickly with little effort.

I kept having to remind myself that book #5 took place in the late 1970s. Aside from random car references, it seemed more like 1950s. Lena concerned about showing her knees in 1978! Maybe in 1978 Ireland, that was true? And I am admittedly ignorant about Irish Catholic mores, but in the late 1970s, the local priest running roughshod over the entire town; an orphanage run by nuns who physically and psychologically abuse children and sell them into servitude, while the psychiatric hospital and nursing home - apparently on the same grounds - are run by compassionate, caring nuns. Two men living together on a farm for15-20 years without the rumor mill roaring another example of the charmed existence. It's wonderful that the family figured out their situation and accepted. But for no one in center to have raised their suspicions, especially the aforementioned priest...bizarre. (And the priest basically being a tyrant, by the end of this book was completely different.)

So these are minor bothersome plot points. What really disappointed me was (here's my spoiler) Lena and Malachy ending up together after Eli's death. This might be a "me" problem, but I hate this. Lena supposedly loved Eli completely and with her whole heart, calling him "the other half" of herself. And yes, he had been dead for a year when she started having stirrings for Malachy. I just feel like her twinges of jealousy over Malachy and Rosa gave the impression that those feelings had never gone away, that somewhere inside she'd harbored this "lost love" for him. For me, it tarnishes the love she supposedly felt for Eli; it makes me feel like she in fact did not give herself entirely to Eli, that she had something held back. Eli was my favorite character. I actually cried when he died (though admittedly I am a crier anyway, but this was the only time I cried in any of these five books). Eli deserved to be loved as he loved: completely, without reserve. It makes me feel like Lena, somewhere inside, secretly pined for Malachy.

(I had the same issue with the sitcom, How I Met Your Mother. Ted's wife dies, he goes back to Robin from 20 years ago. Was he pining for her the whole time he was married to the "love of his life"?

So this is why I gave 3 stars to this book while the others were higher. Lena and Malachy reuniting ruined the love story of Eli and Lena which was the centerpiece of the series. It seemed like the easy, lazy way to tie things up.

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Silent Understanding

I gave this book 5 Stars, although I was disappointed because it ended! I'm like that! I get into a good book, & more so a good series (& this IS a very good series!), & I don't want it to end! One series I love, I didn't want to end after 27 books & almost 30 years!! I love Ms. Grainger's stories because she makes everything so real! I can see the scenery! I can smell the smells! I get to KNOW her characters & feel what they feel! Those set in the past, I either catch myself feeling as if I were living then, as with the 1st few in this series, or remembering how I felt during the times as with the last few of it. I'm not too much younger than Lena would be, so I do remember the Summer of Love, the communes & the cults of the 60's & on, so I felt fear for Nellie & the love & concern her family had for her. I cried for Eli & was comforted with Lena in the final book. There are very few negatives I have for this book, or this series as a whole, in fact only one comes to mind other than that it ended! As I've seen with other authors, I think that perhaps they get a lot of stress from the publishers to complete the book quickly. The last book in a series especially, feels rushed. Stories are tied up in a few paragraphs when they'd easily take a chapter or two to finish completely & satisfyingly. I just wish publishers would slow down & take time to smell the roses instead of the ink on their bottom line! If they don't, their readers will become fed up & quit reading & that would be a sin! If I didn't have my favorite authors, including Ms. Grainger of course, IDK what I'd do! I'm disabled & reading is my life! So I'm hoping & praying that my prediction turns out false! Now, on to the next good book! I hope you'll love this book as much as I have!

[Nancy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book, the final installment in the Kilteegan Bridge series. What I love about Ms. Grainger’s writing is the humor, heart and love for the characters’ fellow men that shines through. In this volume, we see much more of Rosa Abramson, whose law firm is deeply involved in seeking reparations for Jews from whom the Nazis stole property, artwork, and other items of value. She approaches Malachy because of his grandparents’ involvement. This kicks off a major storyline within the book, as well as the close relationship between Malachy and Rosa. New characters are introduced as well, such as the impoverished sisters Katie and Maggie O’Neill, who have been confined in a convent home and managed to escape. Emmet and Wei reappear, though there are distinct hurdles in their relationship, initially a painful mystery to Emmet.

There are times in each Jean Grainger book that take me aback with their pure sweetness and depth—e.g., Rosa and Malachy’s dinner conversation about Lena, Malachy’s reprehensible father August Berger, and more. As well, the picture of Nellie’s dear friend Sister Martina, making funny faces at the child Aidan, “her large bottom up in the air,” is humorous and heartwarming.

This installment neatly wraps up various story lines from the various books in the series, and there are happy endings. My only negative, if minor, is that things resolve a bit too neatly and quickly. For this reason, my rating is 4 1/2 rather than 5.

I received an advance copy from the author in return for an honest review.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

I’ve read each of the episodes in this series and must admit that Book 4 hit me with a left curve. So I was a bit nervous about what I'd find in Book 5, the final installment.

This episode in the Kilteegan Bridge series continues with Lena, Nellie, and the sweet and tentative love interest between Emmet and Wei.

In the meantime, new characters Katie and Maggie O’Neill present a problem for Jack and Skipper, two bachelors.

While the author’s books can get complex with multiple sub-plots, each is interwoven within the tight family and small rural, mostly Catholic-based community theme.

The mental picture and visions of rural Irish life provide a gripping and emotional plot. It is a well-paced and complicated storyline that confronts a number of topical domestic issues.

The conclusion neatly gathers all remaining strings left or unresolved in the Epilogue. As with all families, particularly large extended ones, there are multiple private issues within the family and perhaps while quietly acknowledged—still remain private. 4.5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts. 4.5 stars

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Jean Grainger’s newest book “A Silent Understanding”, but this review is strictly my own thoughts. It is sadly the last in the series set in Kilteegan Bridge. This series really reads best if you start with the first book (“The Trouble With Secrets”). Jean’s characters come alive as they mature and change, and you might feel lost if you start with book 5. Although Lena’s family and Malachy Berger are constants, new characters are introduced in each book. Jean weaves historical and cultural elements throughout the series that enhance the reading experience. This book also contains a realistic picture of grief. Some people who have suffered a recent loss may find this hard to read, or it may give hope that grief and joy can eventually co-mingle. The epilogue ties everything together, but life rarely gives us nice, tidy endings. However, I read fiction as a way to escape. If possible I would rate this book 4.5 stars.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Silent Understanding: The Kilteegan Bridge Story, Book 5 is written by Jean Grainger. This is the final book in this series. For me, the series started out slowly. In fact, I had to start it twice before I could get into it. Then, however, it turned out to be a great series. I think, perhaps, it was so difficult to start was that it was different from the others. That just goes to show that you need to give every book a good chance as it could turn out to be fabulous.
I believe the best part of the book deals with Jack and Skipper and the introduction of Katie and Maggie. This gave the two men a chance to shine in a different way than they had as simply the ones who kept the farm going. This incident showed just how committed the two were to each other and how well they knew what the other was doing. The strength they and Ted and Gwanda had in facing the orphanage and the law was incredible.
As usual, Jean’s book was well-written and well thought out.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in the series. Hard to say good bye to these characters who seem so real.
"Lena Kogan is thrilled when her son Emmet invites her to the opening of his first building in San Francisco. It’s awkward that she will be staying with Emmet’s father Malachy Berger, but he’s in a serious relationship now, and anyway, he knows how Lena feels about Eli, so surely they can just be friends.
Her sister Emily, is less adventurous. She's happy to stay at home with her family and a thriving business, that is until her daughter Nellie drops another bombshell on her about what she plans to do next. A move nobody could have anticipated and few support.
Her brother Jack is living contentedly on his farm with Skipper, until a couple of late-night visitors cause them to risk everything they’ve guarded so carefully. Intervening to help could mean exposure in a state where men like them are on the wrong side of the law, but some things are just too important to ignore." synopsis copied

[Robert Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to a great series. This series will move and entertain you with its many characters, their situations and some of the social issues of the day. You will laugh, cry, worry, wish and pull for some of the characters. There are so many things going on making it (the whole series) a real page turner.

I have read all of Jean's books and have enjoyed them all. So have a few friends to whom I recommended them.

I am a storyteller and once asked Jean's permission to tell one of her stories. She graciously gave it to me at no charge. Not only that, she came from Ireland to my hometown of Ottawa Ontario to hear me and 2 other tellers tell the story. She came with her entire family: mother, father, husband and 2 daughters. Thank you Jean. The book is called The Tour.

Robert Woods
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada

[Peg Rennert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Author

I absolutely love all of Jean Grainger's books! She is an amazing storyteller. Her books are full of humanity, telling the character's stories with great detail and making you feel their emotions. You actually become invested in their lives, and I hate it when their stories are complete and the series ends! I am always anxiously awaiting her next release. Another thing that I appreciate about her books is that it is obvious that she is intelligent and educated. Her word usage, spelling, and grammar are always impeccable which contribute greatly to my reading enjoyment. Just an overall great author in my opinion. I hope she continues to write these wonderful stories well into the future!

[Corina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too rushed at the end, as if she was done writing about the family.

This series needed another book or two to complete the series. The author jumped from 1977 to 1983. The author had to fill the readers in on at least TWENTY THREE characters lives in one epilogue. It was too rushed and incomplete. A devoted reader of the series should not be happy at all. To kill off a beloved main character in such a grotesque manner was awful. Also the author needs to study up on how American's speak, because she still has them talking as if decades in America has not affected their manner of speech. speaking.

[Anne Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad this is the last one in the series. I've laughed and cried with Lena, Em, Malachy and all of them. Each character has their own foibles, poor Maria despite her health problems, has found happiness at last and is a joy to her family.

I loved all the books, what will we do now no more Kilteegan Bridge?

Jean Grainger is one of my favourite authors and I look forward to her next offerings. Her attention to detail and research into the location and history of the times is second to none. I admire Jean for her tenacity in spite of personal setbacks. Thank you 😊

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Grainger is a brilliant writer. Her insight into people is incomparable. As we travel to Kilteegan Bridge one last time, we see Lena and Malachy making new lives for themselves on opposite sides of the world, Nellie recovering and finding her place in the town she has come to realize she loves, and the rest of the family stretching their wings. It has been easy to become friends with this crowd, and I am sorry to say goodbye to them. As she has done in the past, though, Grainger will bring new towns and new friends to life.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Silent Understanding, the conclusion to Jean Grainger’s Kilteegan Bridge series brings this story full circle. The author has composed a tale of contrasts, showing the good, the bad, the indifferent and ultimately the new. Lena must recover from the horrific loss of Eli just as Malachy must come to terms with even more evils committed by his Nazi father. Interspersed are the stories that show the passage of time for other characters. It’s endearing, educational and flat out wonderful. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.

[Anne Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic series Kilteegan Bridge has been. I've cried with them and lived through all their ups and downs as Lena and all her nearest and dearest come to terms with how their lives have turned out after the unforeseen terrible events.

I will miss Lena, Emmet, Malachy, Jack, Skipper, Nellie and all the characters in the story. I hope all they're lives are happy and fulfilled.

Jean is a fabulous writer and I have loved all her books. I am looking forward to the next one which I'm sure is on the way.

Thank you. 😃

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Grainger did a fabulous job of ending the Kilteegan Bridge saga! Although I am sad that this is the final installment, I must say that she wrapped up all the loose ends rather nicely. Throughout the series, we the readers have laughed and cried with Lena, Eli, Emily, Blackie, Malachy and all the others in this captivating chronicle of Irish life. I have loved all of the characters and feel that I have lived life with them. I will miss them dearly and will most likely visit them again one day! Great job, Jean!!

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Grainger has done it again! Despite having written so much about the Kilteegan Bridge families, she seamlessly continues the saga, introducing new characters and twists to keep her readers avidly turning pages.
This final book moves easily between America and Ireland with the younger members of the extended family maturing and finding their niches in life, while the older generation resolve their difficulties in the face of tragic loss and learn to build new relationships.
I was given free review copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Kathleen Byram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thoughtful, Unpredictable Love Story

The entire series by Jean Grainger took me into a different, but oddly familiar world. I have never been to Ireland, but I could see it, smell it and feel it as if I had grown there. That is the beauty in this entire series, a story of lives that are real and easy to identify with. The characters are not just believable, but relatable. I devoured this series, and lived the lives of Lena and her family. I recommend these books for anyone who loves to understand love and life.

[Patty Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish and Jewish generations inter mingle thru their troubles, love, betrayal, sadness and renewal.

The plots and characters reflect the times from pre-world war II through the 1980's. The setting is primarily Ireland along with Wales and America. The characters and plots in all of the books of the Kilteegan series draw you in to a near visual and vicariously emotional journey along with them. There's love, betrayal, cruelty, happiness, death, sadness, and eventually renewal. I hope you read the whole series. I think you will enjoy it.