David Mitchell’s blurb on the cover of Claire Keegan’s novella, Foster, says “As good as Chekhov.” I wouldn’t go that far based on reading Foster, but Keegan is a very good writer. Foster is the story of a child taken by her wretched father to live with some relatives in rural Ireland while her mother gives birth to yet another child.
The little girl doesn’t know if she will ever be brought home again. The farming couple, the Kinsellas, provide the girl with a structure missing in her oversized and impoverished family. She’s cleaned up, given clean clothes, and taught to take care of herself. Mrs. Kinsella insists on truth, but the girl learns a few of the secrets of this new household.
Keegan’s story follows the development of the nameless girl over the summer. Mrs. Kinsella teaches her how to read. The girl’s narration of her experience with this couple operates on several levels. Yes, learning is going on. This life with the Kinsellas is vastly different from the grinding deprivation of her own family.
If you’re in the mood for a moving, subtle, and nuanced story, Foster provides in heart-rending glimpse into a desperate situation. GRADE: B
I have heard wonderful things about this book and her earlier novel. My library hasn’t bought it yet but I am sure they will.
Patti, FOSTER was first published in THE NEW YORKER in 2010. Yes, the reviews have been stellar!
I’d never heard of Keegan, and it looks like I’ve missed something. My library has both this and her previous novel. This one has 55 holds and the earlier one has 23. I’ll put a hold on this one but it’ll take forever to get.
Michael, FOSTER is only 90 pages (with plenty of White Space) so it can be read in one sitting. Hopefully, you’ll move up the list of holds quickly!
I never heard of her either, but I am always adding new authors of stories and this sounds worth reading. My library has 47 holds on 6 copies of the ebook (more than 75 holds on the hardback), so it will probably be a while before I get it.
Jeff, FOSTER is a master class in writing a child narrative. Given the shortness of the book, you may find yourself moving up the HOLD list fast! Diane is busy packing for our NYC trip. Can’t wait to see you and Jackie again!
I’m sure it’s a fine book but it’s way outside my sphere of interests! Pass!
Wonder if “Kinsella” was a “tuckerization” or not…
Todd, you could be right.