Esther Weatherill

I find it truly brilliant. We slip into the souls and innermost feelings of mainly 3 people: Eilis, Jim and Nancy. There is no right or wrong; we are in the grey area of weighing up problems and feelings. Again as in many of Toibin’s books, the mothers are vividly described and come to life as strong people. Many things are unsaid and hang in the air. This makes us feel and think with the characters. I have the feeling that I know them all intimately, that I have been there with them. What I miss a little are clear descriptions of how each of them looks; at least the main characters. The end satisfies me. I want to have a sequel of ‘Long Island’. Especially around Eilis and Tony and their family. Please, Colm! Could you? And Thank you for another wonderful thought provoking book.