Brooklyn

by Colm Tóibín
Brooklyn cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 637
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In the early 1950s, Eilis Lacey, a young woman from Enniscorthy, Ireland, embarks on a journey to Brooklyn, New York, seeking employment and a better future. Initially overwhelmed by homesickness and the harsh realities of her new environment, Eilis gradually adapts to her new life, finding work and forming relationships that bring her a sense of belonging. Her story is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the complexities of choosing between two worlds. /n/nColm Toibin's Brooklyn is a masterfully crafted novel that delves into the emotional turmoil of immigration and the search for belonging. Through Eilis's experiences, the novel captures the essence of a young woman's journey towards self-discovery and the difficult choices she must make between her past and her future. Toibin's nuanced prose and deep emotional insight make this a compelling and unforgettable read.

Reviews
Cloverhill Diaries · 2024-06-07
rich 4.50

The novel is deeply engaging and emotionally rich, offering a tender look at migration and personal growth.

The reviewer from Cloverhill Diaries found 'Brooklyn' to be a deeply engaging and emotionally rich novel. They highlight the tender exploration of migration and the challenges of personal growth, particularly for a young woman navigating a new country and culture. The emotional depth of the story is praised, making it a compelling read that resonates on a personal level. The reviewer believes it's a novel that many will appreciate for its heartfelt portrayal of the immigrant experience and the journey towards independence.

Quick quotes

    "Brooklyn" is a deeply engaging and emotionally rich novel that I believe you will appreciate as much as I did.

    It's a coming-of-age novel, mixed with a tender look at migration, family expectations.

    The challenges of becoming independent as a woman in that time

The Guardian · 2010-09-07
engaging 4.00

The prose is beautifully clean and understated, with a subtle humor that adds depth. The narrative's simplicity is its strength, allowing the story to unfold naturally.

The Guardian's review highlights the quiet beauty of Colm Tóibín's writing in 'Brooklyn'. The prose is described as clean and unshowy, which allows the story to breathe and the characters to develop organically. There's a subtle humor woven throughout that adds a layer of depth without being overt. The reviewer appreciates the understated nature of the novel, finding it to be a strength rather than a weakness. The story's simplicity is part of its charm, making it a compelling read that resonates with the reader long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    There's a certain beauty to Toibin's prose. Nothing demonstrative, just a general lean cleanness.

    There's also a good streak of sly humour – the ...

    The narrative's simplicity is its strength, allowing the story to unfold naturally.

The New York Times · Adam Schillinger · 2009-05-01
intriguing 3.50

The protagonist's uncritical nature makes her journey unique, though it also limits her awareness of her own struggles.

Adam Schillinger of The New York Times notes that the protagonist's uncritical nature sets 'Brooklyn' apart from other novels. This trait makes her journey unique but also limits her awareness of her own struggles and the challenges she faces. The reviewer finds this aspect intriguing, as it adds a layer of complexity to the character's development. While the protagonist's lack of self-awareness is notable, it also makes her story more relatable, as it reflects the common human experience of not always recognizing one's own hardships.

Quick quotes

    Toibin's new novel stands apart because its protagonist has such an uncritical nature that she doesn't see she has grounds for complaint.

    The novel is, to a large extent, the story of Eilis's impressions, her reflections.

    Her winning through to a mature self-consciousness.

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