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The 2011 Award

 

Toibin

Toibin2

Brooklyn

by Colm Tóibín

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominated by:

  • Dublin City Public Libraries, Ireland
  • The Free State Provincial Library Service, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
  • Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, USA
  • Cape Town Central Library, South Africa
  • Zentralbibliothek Zurich, Switzerland.
  • Stedelijke Openbare Bibliotheek Gent, Belgium.
  • Boston Public Library, USA.
  • San Francisco Public Library, USA .
  • London's Public Libraries, England.
  • Dunedin Public Libraries, New Zealand.
  • Richland County Public Library, USA .
  • San José Public Library, USA
  • Chicago Public Library, USA.

 

Publisher of Nominated Edition:

Viking, UK

Scribner, USA

 
The complete A-Z listing of nominated authors
ABOUT THE BOOK

 It is Ireland in the early 1950s and for Eilis Lacey, as for so many young Irish girls, opportunities are scarce. So when her sister arranges for her to emigrate to New York, Eilis knows she must go, leaving behind her family and her home for the first time.

Arriving in a crowded lodging house in Brooklyn, Eilis can only be reminded of what she has sacrificed. She is far from home - and homesick. And just as she takes tentative steps towards friendship, and perhaps something more, Eilis receives news which sends her back to Ireland. There she will be confronted by a terrible dilemma - a devastating choice between duty and one great love.


(From Publisher).

 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colm Tóibín is an Irish writer and journalist, and the author of four novels, including The Heather Blazing and The Blackwater Lightship. He lives in Dublin. 

 

LIBRARIANS' COMMENTS

Brooklyn is a story about the consequences of the choices we make in everyday life. Toibín prose is beautifully written and his characters re believable.

Simply a masterpiece that gets to the heart of human emotions!

Toibín's ability to portray a teenage girl in such a way that allows the reader to empathise with her completely is truly amazing. A poignant read.

Well written and moving.

The story of the reluctant emigration of Éilis, a young woman from Ireland, to the USA, told from her point of view. Written in clear, simple and elegant prose.

Exquisite writing about a young woman who is thrown into life. Passive and lonely she must face life, make difficult choices and find herself.

Tóibín's poignant novel juxtaposes heroine Eilis Lacey's life in rural Ireland with Lacey's new beginning in Brooklyn in the 1950's as she comes of age. Despite tragedy heartbreak. Brooklyn won the 2009 Costa Book Award, and the ALA's 2010 Notable Books prize.

This novel conveys transformative struggles with aching lyricism and is reminiscent of the mature Henry James.

An engaging novel about a young Irish immigrant adapting to her new life and coming to terms with where her old life fits in.

A fine description of the immigrant journey, the blending of cultures, the tug to return home.

 

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