From the Bookshelf of Bookmarks Subscribers …
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
showing 4 of 4 topics
view all »
Other topics mentioning this book
What book did you just start?
By Stephanie · 3501 posts · 467 views
By Stephanie · 3501 posts · 467 views
last updated Feb 27, 2024 08:11PM
What Members Thought
Missed this when it was first published and glad I found it now, prior to its sequel being released. Eilis emigrates from Ireland in the 1950s in the wake of Europe still struggling to recover after World War II. She would have loved to stay in her small town of Enniscorthy, but there is no work and so with the help of a family friend priest, she is settled into a boarding house in Brooklyn, with a job as a clerk in a downtown Brooklyn department store. Lacking self confidence, Eilis is subjecte
...more
I read this on a gloomy afternoon. It totally engaged me with the sweet story about an Irish immigrant finding her way around Brooklyn. I enjoyed reading about her job on the store floor. I was able to connect with Eilis (though I really wanted to know how to pronounce her name!!) and her relationship with Tony. Family ties are strong and Toibin writes about this simply yet with depth.
Captures the pain of early adulthood and trying to find your place in the world. I found myself wanting everything to tie up more neatly and for Eilis to be sure of herself, but I think the way this is written is more life-like.
Interesting story, highly recommend!
What a quiet and fascinating book. I loved the description or Ireland and Brooklyn. The author has a way of making you believe that you are right there living in the moment. Thought the ending was so interesting. Good book and I'm glad I read it.
...more
Jan 22, 2011
Kathy
marked it as to-read
Apr 10, 2016
Jessica
marked it as to-read
Feb 09, 2019
Janice
added it
May 19, 2020
Rosie
added it
Dec 31, 2023
Janet
marked it as to-read
