This is our first read-along discussion of Colm Toibin’s Brooklyn.If you’re following along with us, we have read up to page 65 of the hardback edition, roughly one-fourth of the book. (Click here for the read-along schedule.) If you haven’t read that far, keep in mind that there will most likely be spoilers in this post and in the comments section.
Well, we’ve read the first quarter of the book, and I have to say that I’m more than a bit underwhelmed. I know that Brooklyn is categorized as literary fiction, and I know not to expect a fast-moving, page-turning plot with literary fiction, but in good literary fiction, the writing is so beautiful that I don’t mind that the story moves slowly.
With Brooklyn, a lot actually has happened to our main character, Eilis. (If you’re curious, like I was, her name is pronounced “eye-lish.”) She has left her family and country, traveled to Brooklyn, New York, moved into a boarding house, and started a new job. I find the writing style very matter-of-fact, however, and so I’ve almost felt bored while I read. I hate saying that, as I have been looking forward to reading this book for so long. I can only hope that I become more invested in the story.
Am I the only one feeling this way? What has your reading experience been like? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below – or a link to your post, if you decide to put your thoughts on your blog.
I completely agree. I have to admit that I hadn’t heard of Colm Toibin before you suggested this book but from my internet research he is a well-credited writer who is praised for his writing style. I though the style was very average, and, in my opinion, there are even sections of bad writing that stood out to me as I was reading. The plot is boring so far – I feel like you could find 300 books with the same story if you looked – and I find it difficult to really picture Eilis’ life. There were very few descriptions of the boat (although I understand that her restriction to the cabin was part of the plot), and even less of New York. Hmmm..I guess we can only hope that it gets better!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Katie – yes, I hope so!
I couldn’t stop gushing about this book after I read it earlier this year BUT I wasn’t completely invested in it after 65 pages. Eilis kind of annoyed me at first with her whole woe-is-me attitude, but I did enjoy the atmosphere of the novel. As the story kept unraveling and Eilis was battling some intense issues, I became completely involved in her plight.
Stephanie´s last post ..Book Review: The Wordy Shipmates
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Stephanie – oh, good – you’ve given me hope that it will get better!
Ok so I just caught up and I have to agree so far – the first 65 pages aren’t exactly scintillating reading. I feel like I don’t even know too much about Eilis even though we’ve been with basically just her the whole time – I actually feel like I know more about Rose as a character! Still my husband, who is an avid Toibin fan has assured me that this book is awesome so it must really pick up soon! I am finding it easy to read though, just to sit and keep turning pages. I’m 38+wks pregnant so my attention span wanders a bit atm!
Bree´s last post ..The Help – Kathryn Stockett
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Bree- I’m finding it amazing you can concentrate on anything at all at 38+ weeks pregnant! Hang in there.
Pingback: The Sunday Salon – September 11, 2011 | BOOKS AND MOVIES
Twitter: bookwormjules
says:
It may not be exciting at the moment, but I think the author has shown the immigration experience, in it’s first few days in a realistic way. She left her home to experience something new, big and fantastic, but she is still in the same position as before. Eilis is still living her life as if she’s not fully standing in her own shoes, she seems be waiting for something to change her life, instead of her changing it herself.
I am enjoying the writing style, it isn’t flowing or an elegant prose, but I am enjoying it, it is similar to Hemingway’s. It may not be the most exciting story, but I am enjoying it.
Jules´s last post ..Banned Book Week 2011
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Jules – ah, Hemingway – yes, it is a bit like Hemingway. Which is probably why I’m not enjoying it more! LOL Not a big Hemingway fan, but I’m still curious to see where Eilis’s story goes.
Twitter: booksnyc
says:
Toibin has a very quiet writing style and his writing is definitely sparse. But when you take the novel in its entirety, it is moving. I hope you grow to love it!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Colleen – I hope I do, too.
I’ve read this before and I remember the strength being in the psychological insight in his writing, and that may come later on in the book. It is quiet, but then it gets kind of a cerebral intensity. I don’t know how else to describe it.
Shelley´s last post ..The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Shelley – I know lots of people who rave about this book, so I’m not giving up on it, I promise!
Pingback: Brooklyn read-along discussion, part two | BOOKS AND MOVIES
Pingback: Brooklyn read-along discussion, part three | BOOKS AND MOVIES
Pingback: Final read-along discussion: Brooklyn by Colm Toibin | BOOKS AND MOVIES