Long Island

Long Island by Colm Tóibín is a novel of enormous wit and profound emotional resonance from one of the world's finest writers. Tóibín intricately weaves a tender and thought-provoking narrative set in the spring of 1976, where the protagonist, Eilis Lacey, is faced with choices that will reshape her life forever.

Eilis Lacey, an Irish immigrant, finds herself navigating the complexities of her new life in America. Married to Tony Fiorello, a plumber and one of four Italian American brothers, Eilis lives in a tight-knit community on a cul-de-sac in Lindenhurst, Long Island. The Fiorello family dynamics add a deep cultural layer to the tale, as they all reside in neighbouring houses with their spouses, children, and Tony's parents. At forty, Eilis has two teenage children and feels the pangs of isolation in this still-new country where she has no family of her own to rely upon.

The story takes a startling turn when an Irishman knocks on Eilis's door, revealing a secret that shatters her world. He informs her that his wife is pregnant with Tony's child and that once the baby is born, he will leave the child with her. This unexpected revelation forces Eilis to confront her own values, relationships, and sense of security. Tóibín masterfully explores the emotional landscapes of his characters, as Eilis grapples with this sudden upheaval and the choices she must make thereafter.

Colm Tóibín’s skilful narrative is both riveting and profoundly emotional, drawing readers into Eilis's journey of self-discovery and moral challenge. The novel's careful pacing and rich character studies make it an unforgettable reading experience.

Praise for Long Island:

"A masterful novel full of longing and regret ... Intensely moving and yet full of restraint" — Douglas Stuart

"His best yet ... It reads like the tensest of stage plays, but with all the pleasures of interiority that the novel form allows. I haven't wanted to hug this many characters in a while" — Naoise Dolan

With its intense emotional depth and exquisite narrative, Long Island stands as one of Tóibín's most compelling works, a must-read for anyone keen on stories of the human heart in turmoil.