I loved this book. As much as I can love something that unsettled me so. Agree with your assessment of the exchange between Bill and the Mother Superior. It is a great piece of writing (when bill places his feet up on the grate!) and certainly was weakened in film adaptation.
Have a listen to this interview with Claire Keegan where she talks about some of her favourite songs as they relate to her life, on Irish radio. Absolutely fascinating woman.
Claire Keegan is such a magician. Her writing equally captivates such different types of readers... it's truly stunning. I have loved every single line of hers I've ever read but my most favorite story that I think about so much is Antarctica. Do you remember it? From So Late in The Day?
Yes! All of the stories from So Late in the Day left me UNWELL, though. I read most of it in a quiet coffee shop in November, an hour before it closed, and I left feeling like I was in a different world.
Having money and protected by its privileges is all the difference in the world, not least of which protected from the all-embracing love of the church (where’s the sarcasm punctuation when you need it?).
Really enjoyed your review of Claire Keegan's work. She is an exemplary Irish writer who appears to produce work at her own pace and when she has something to say. I am from Ireland and quite familiar with the anecdotal and researched evidence of the control of the Church and State on women's lives for many years. It was a culture of complicity and hypocrisy that permeated all strands of society and involved families, the men involved with the women who were sent to these types of institutions, the clergy and nuns and the government. Social status anxiety was another factor. Keegan's work encompasses these strands and hits home.
Very much enjoyed this - and agree with literally everything. I also AGREE about the scene with the bonus in the film. I remember feeling quite jarred that it had not been given the same weight in the film and instead it made him look more cowardly. I think this decision fundamentally undermines Furlong's battle w morality quite significantly for people who might only have interacted w the film!!! He has way more spunk in the novel and it think it is peak they eclipsed some scenes where it is on display most. Hilarious you read this when the Pope died.
I read this one based on your recommendation and it sits heavily on me still. As someone who was raised Irish Catholic (though on the other side of the globe) this story felt shatteringly close. I've visited a former Magdalene laundry, I've got women in my extended family who were 'disappeared' for a short time to 'deal with' their teenage pregnancies. The simmering horror of this novella is uncomfortably close
I appreciate your highlighting the internal and external struggle of the main character. It is a gift - difficult to acknowledge at the time - to be forced to put your assumed morality to action. Rarely are our moral actions welcomed by others. Often they are harshly punished, even to the point of death and, as he realizes, the punishment can extend beyond the person. But the clarity! To know who you are at your core!
I loved this book. As much as I can love something that unsettled me so. Agree with your assessment of the exchange between Bill and the Mother Superior. It is a great piece of writing (when bill places his feet up on the grate!) and certainly was weakened in film adaptation.
he's so bold in that moment in the book, even if he's inwardly very conflicted! really wish the screenplay had written that in ... alas!
Have a listen to this interview with Claire Keegan where she talks about some of her favourite songs as they relate to her life, on Irish radio. Absolutely fascinating woman.
https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22506843/
oh, i love this, thank you for sharing!
Welp, another trip to the bookstore is due (twist my arm)!
extremely worth it!
I don’t doubt it! I finished Greek Lessons a few days ago and the writing?! My god.
Claire Keegan is such a magician. Her writing equally captivates such different types of readers... it's truly stunning. I have loved every single line of hers I've ever read but my most favorite story that I think about so much is Antarctica. Do you remember it? From So Late in The Day?
Yes! All of the stories from So Late in the Day left me UNWELL, though. I read most of it in a quiet coffee shop in November, an hour before it closed, and I left feeling like I was in a different world.
Having money and protected by its privileges is all the difference in the world, not least of which protected from the all-embracing love of the church (where’s the sarcasm punctuation when you need it?).
Really enjoyed your review of Claire Keegan's work. She is an exemplary Irish writer who appears to produce work at her own pace and when she has something to say. I am from Ireland and quite familiar with the anecdotal and researched evidence of the control of the Church and State on women's lives for many years. It was a culture of complicity and hypocrisy that permeated all strands of society and involved families, the men involved with the women who were sent to these types of institutions, the clergy and nuns and the government. Social status anxiety was another factor. Keegan's work encompasses these strands and hits home.
Very much enjoyed this - and agree with literally everything. I also AGREE about the scene with the bonus in the film. I remember feeling quite jarred that it had not been given the same weight in the film and instead it made him look more cowardly. I think this decision fundamentally undermines Furlong's battle w morality quite significantly for people who might only have interacted w the film!!! He has way more spunk in the novel and it think it is peak they eclipsed some scenes where it is on display most. Hilarious you read this when the Pope died.
I wish I could understand why they changed it in the film, because it really is a noticeable shift in his personality! x
i loved this book so much and i loved reading your thoughts about it
it's SO good <3
I read this one based on your recommendation and it sits heavily on me still. As someone who was raised Irish Catholic (though on the other side of the globe) this story felt shatteringly close. I've visited a former Magdalene laundry, I've got women in my extended family who were 'disappeared' for a short time to 'deal with' their teenage pregnancies. The simmering horror of this novella is uncomfortably close
Thanks for writing this Clara. X
I am a fan of Claire Keegan too! I also enjoyed and appreciated the film adaptation (“The Quiet Girl”) of “Foster”
I really need to watch the film, everyone keeps recommending it!
I appreciate your highlighting the internal and external struggle of the main character. It is a gift - difficult to acknowledge at the time - to be forced to put your assumed morality to action. Rarely are our moral actions welcomed by others. Often they are harshly punished, even to the point of death and, as he realizes, the punishment can extend beyond the person. But the clarity! To know who you are at your core!
Have you read anything by Carol Shields?
Hey Clara, is there an email I could contact you on about a book I'd love to send you? Isabelle x