Foster by Claire Keegan
Publication Date: 01 Nov 2022
Genre: General Fiction
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Beautiful!
*****
A little girl is sent to live with a new family in Ireland. She knows nothing about the reason or strangers in rural Ireland who welcome her with loads of love and affection. She is surprised by the love they give her (something she has never had) and begins to bloom. However, she is unsure of how things stand when the reason is finally revealed.
This is a short book brimming with emotions and beautiful prose that reflect the complexity of human life. The story comes from the nameless girl’s POV.
Oh, what do I say? I’ve become a fan of the author’s writing after reading Small Things Like These last year. This book is no different and packs a punch in less than 90 pages.
We have a little girl of probably seven or eight years who tells us what she feels, thinks, and understands during her stay with the Kinsellas. There is so much to the story than the given plot line. We see an undernourished girl have a better life for a few days. It’s not just the food either. It’s nourishment in all forms- care, affection, correction, gentle advice, and love.
The writing is evocative yet understated. Most of the story relies on the reader to understand what’s not being said. Take your time to read this one and cherish it. Award-winning books and stories make me wary, but this is an exception.
I felt for the girl and the Kinsellas. I wanted them to have a happy ever after. The ending is bittersweet and suits the story. But I wanted more. I understand why the author ended it at that point, but I needed more from this book.
The ending is a bit vague, so if you are like me, check out this blog on Julian Girdham’s website. It’ll make you feel better.
To sum up, Foster is a beautiful and bittersweet story about life and human choices. It’s a short read but will stay with you for a long time.
Thank you, NetGalley, Grove Atlantic, and Grove Press, for the eARC.
#Foster #NetGalley
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