Published February 1, 2010

Summary

A young girl is sent to live with foster parents in rural Ireland, not knowing when or if she will return home. With the Kinsella family, the child finds the security and love that she had never known in her own family. 

This short story is told in the first person present tense by the young girl. The reader sees the world through the eyes of a confused, though observant child.

My Thoughts

I confess I put off reading this story because I was concerned that a story about a foster child would be too tragic, but I am so glad I finally did read it. There was tragedy in the story, but there was also beauty and joy and hope. It was astonishing to me that the author could tell such a complete story and evoke so many emotions in only 80 pages. 

I wanted the story to go on so much longer, but perhaps part of what made it so perfect was its brevity.

My Rating 5/5

About the Author

Claire Keegan is an Irish author best known for her short stories. She has won multiple awards around the world and been nominated for the Booker Prize.