In the novella 'Foster' by Claire Keegan, the story revolves around a young Irish girl who is sent to live with relatives while her family awaits the birth of another child. The narrative beautifully captures the girl's experience of transitioning from her own troubled family to the welcoming and nurturing environment of the Kinsellas. Through subtle interactions and symbolic elements, the author delves into themes of love, family dynamics, and spiritual growth, offering a poignant exploration of the girl's journey towards understanding affection, trust, and a sense of belonging.
Keegan's writing style in 'Foster' is described as lyrical, poetic, and rich in detail. The novella's brevity, with carefully chosen words and metaphors, enhances the emotional depth of the story, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the girl's transformative summer with the foster family. The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing layers of meaning and inviting readers to contemplate the deeper spiritual and symbolic aspects woven into the seemingly simple plot.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of child neglect and poverty, which may be sensitive to some readers.
From The Publisher:
A small girl is sent to live with foster parents on a farm in rural Ireland, without knowing when she will return home. In the strangers' house, she finds a warmth and affection she has not known before and slowly begins to blossom in their care. And then a secret is revealed and suddenly, she realizes how fragile her idyll is.Winner of the Davy Byrnes Memorial Prize, Foster is now published in a revised and expanded version. Beautiful, sad and eerie, it is a story of astonishing emotional depth, showcasing Claire Keegan's great accomplishment and talent.
Ratings (28)
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3 comment(s)
I don't know what to say about this novella. But it moved me deeply and I felt so attached to the characters. Some stories feels so personal when reading them.
Many's the man lost much just because he missed a perfect opportunity to say nothing
I really enjoyed reading from the perspective of the child, and it was interesting to consider what was told vs implied.
Rtc
What can you read after
Foster?
About the Author:
Claire Keegan was born in 1968 and grew up on a farm in Wicklow. Her first collection of short stories, Antarctica, was completed in 1998. It announced her as an exceptionally gifted and versatile writer of contemporary fiction and was awarded the Rooney Prize for Literature. Her second short story collection, Walk the Blue Fields, was published to enormous critical acclaim in 2007 and won her the 2008 Edge Hill Prize for Short Stories. Claire Keegan lives in County Wexford, Ireland.
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