Today’s book is so short that it is almost a short story – 88 pages, or an hour and half as an audiobook (which is how I read it – indeed, since I listen to audiobooks fast, it was a little under an hour). So many people have raved about Foster (2010) in the past couple of years that I couldn’t help downloading it when it was on offer.
This is a thoroughly Irish novella, Irishness seeped through every sentence – whether that be depictions of the County Wexford countryside, the turns of phrase like ‘It was a cottage she lived in’, or the open casket at a funeral that takes place halfway through. It is 1981 and the unnamed narrator (another one!) is a young girl who has been deposited with John and Edna Kinsella. They live on a farm in County Wexford, and she has come from Country Carlow – not knowing exactly why she is there, or for how long, or indeed if she is ever going to go home. Her father leaves with a warning not to fall in the fire, and departs with no kinder word of affection. He has also forgotten to leave any of her clothes – but the Kinsellas have some that she can use, until they can buy her some more.
Keegan’s novella is a masterclass in what is not said. We don’t learn a huge amount about the home that she has left, except that it is busy, crowded and not a particularly kind place to live. The narrator is used to incident. There is no space for rest, for simply being. And even while the Kinsellas’ farm is being productively run, there is peace and there is calm.
And so the days pass. I keep waiting for something to happen, for the ease I feel to end – to wake in a wet bed, to make some blunder, some big gaffe, to break something – but each day follows on much like the one before.
There is a twist in the story, though it is one that simply deepens our understanding of character. It isn’t played to jar the reader; the plot is not as important as the people.
This is a beautiful little book, showing in not-many pages the richness of human kindness, the complex simplicity of country life, and the transformation that can take place when love is gently, generously shared.
People who got Stuck into this Book:
“Foster is a sublime novella, a masterclass in the ‘less-is-more’ school of writing – a poignant story, beautifully told.” – Jacqui Wine
“It is a very well written story, subtle and nuanced with a clear focus on the characters. I think I expected more from it, though.” – The Mookse and the Gripes
“Foster is as lyrical as poetry and has the depth of a full-length novel, yet it’s very brevity is what makes it so impressive.” – 746 Books
I absolutely loved this one, even more than Small Things Like These. I really didn’t think the twist at the end was necessary, although it was totally appropriate to the story (and, as you point out, certainly deepened the reader’s understanding of the characters).
Yes, agreed. I get the feeling she could write about people doing nothing, with no plot, and it would be compelling
Sounds really wonderful. I’m hoping to get to Small Things… this month. You’ve definitely tempted me to hunt down a copy of this soon too!
People REALLY love Small Things, don’t they? I thought I’d read it, but that turned out to be Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers :D
I really was impressed by this one–everything you mention is so true. I just am not sure it is fair to call this even a “novella.” But, yes, wow–it packs a punch of a story. In case you are interested (no pressure) I’ve put in the link for my review.
Thanks for the link! And yes, Wiki hedges its bets by calling it a novella or short story.
I totally loved this, and her other novella “Small Things Like These”. She runs these writing weekends in Ireland and I’ve signed up for one in September. I think she’s amazingly talented and can hardly wait to meet her in person!
Oh that will be such a wonderful experience!
Excellent review of a lovely story. I particularly like your description of it being “a master class and what is not said.”. That sums it up so beautifully.
Thanks so much, Janet!
I’ve been a bit worried about reading this one but I think it’s short enough that I’ll manage. Small Things Like These was so amazing that I really need to.
It’s so so short, but powerful