Reviewer

Set in a coastal Irish town during Christmas week 1985, this lyrical novella follows local coal merchant, Bill Furlong - father of five daughters - as he discovers a dark secret at the heart of his community: the maltreatment of unmarried mothers in a convent he supplies with coal. The story is a fictional treatment of the real-world "mother and baby home" abuses that took place over many decades in 20th century Ireland. Furlong's own mother was unmarried, so the cruelty he stumbles upon is especially haunting. But if he challenges it, he will risk losing customers, jeopardising his children's education and fracturing his marriage. The novel is Dickensian in its focus on poverty, cruelty and hypocrisy in a yuletide setting and the quality of the prose makes it feel like a classic. Already celebrated on Oprah's Book Club and shortlisted for The Booker Prize, it has been turned into a very good film starring Cillian Murphy. The ethical dilemma at the heart of the story makes it a perfect choice for Books & Burritos. -fme

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This is a really enjoyable but also thought provoking book. I found it very easy to read and visualise the place and characters. It made me question what I would do and feel in these situations. I think it would be a great inclusion in books and burritos. -leh

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After I read this book, I read everything I could get my hands on by Keegan. Her writing is restrained and precise. Like poetry, so much is said between the lines. I think, because of this writing style, her deep moral and ethical clarity comes across as compassionate without being sentimental. This book was 50 drafts in the making -- it deserves an hour of your time! If you read this and like it, let me know and I can send more of her work your way. -ane