Manhasset Public Library Book Discussion: Long Island

Join librarian Cheryl for a lively discussion of Brooklyn, by Colm Tóibín. 

From the beloved, critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling author comes a spectacularly moving and intense novel of secrecy, misunderstanding, and love, continuing the story of Eilis Lacey, the heroine of Brooklyn, Tóibín's most popular work

Eilis Lacey is Irish and married to Tony Fiorello, a plumber and one of four Italian American brothers, all of whom live in neighboring houses on a cul-de-sac in Lindenhurst, Long Island, with their families and Tony's parents. It is the spring of 1976 and Eilis, now in her forties with two teenage children, has no one to rely on in this still-new country. Though her ties to Ireland remain stronger than those that hold her to her new land and home, she has not returned in decades. One day, when Tony is at his job and Eilis is in her home office doing her accounting, a man comes to the door asking for Eilis and shares news that shakes her faith in her husband and her marriage. She decides to return to Ireland for the first time in more than 20 years to consider her options.  

Once in Ireland, Eilis rekindles some old relationships, including her childhood best friend Nancy Sheridan, her stern mother, and Jim Farrell, an old boyfriend.  Long Island is a gorgeous story “about a woman thrashing against the constraints of fate” (Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air). It is “a wonder, rich with yearning and regret” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis).