Reviews

Pleegkind by Claire Keegan

llyp's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

the_literarylass's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

aida_cardoso's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

sheriffrockyraccoon's review against another edition

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emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I love reading Claire Keegan’s novels- she consistently hits the mark with beautiful prose and lovable characters that you root for at the end of every book.

Foster is no different. I cried a little at the end, which I can only hope turns out to be a happy ending for the characters involved. Keegan does a really great job of making you love her characters in few pages, which is very impressive.

I would have loved to have read more about the Kinsellas and how they spent their time with the narrator, but I also appreciate the concise nature of Keegan’s novels.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast, contemporary fiction read. I was able to read this in one sitting but still feel fulfilled by great writing and a beautiful story.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

smeyers98's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sammi1966's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Foster by Clair Keegan
Rounding up for ratings to ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#shortbook 90 pgs

Foster has been on my TBR for a while. I had time between my ARCs so I decided to finally pick it up. I am not usually a short book reader because I enjoy watching a story unfold. That's probably why I didn't rate this very high.  This was just as I expected it might be. A very bittersweet book. Of course you feel bad for the poor little girl for both her past and her future. 

#libby #foster

happy_stomach's review against another edition

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emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

celestecorrea's review against another edition

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5.0

Título original: Foster (2010)

Devia ter comprado dois exemplares: um para mim, outro para oferecer.

Acolher é uma palavra que significa oferecer refúgio, proteção, conforto e amparo. É um acto no qual mostramos com palavras e gestos que a pessoa recém-chegada é bem vinda a nossa casa.

Uma criança (adolescente, talvez) cujo nome desconhecemos passa um Verão na propriedade rural dos seus tios Kinsella, Edna e John. Chamarei Florzita à nossa jovem narradora e não abordarei os motivos, os segredos e a tragédia do casal Kinsella.

Florzita cresceu em altura física e desenvolveu-se em experiência de vida emocional na certeza que o acto de acolher é recíproco.

Sob o céu irlandês, Florzita tranquiliza-se depois de se questionar sobre a atitude dos pais em afastá-la para casa dos tios. É um tempo de aprendizagem para o qual necessita de palavras novas.

Amor e gratidão recíprocos. Quando o tio lhe segura a mão uma parte dela deseja que o não faça porque o seu pai nunca o fez; é um sentimento complicado, mas, à medida que os laços se vão estreitando aceita as diferenças entre uma vida e outra.

E Florzita e os tios sabem o quanto aquele Verão foi importante para todos: acolheram-se mutuamente.

«[...] Trata-se da minha mãe, mas já aprendi o suficiente, para saber que o que aconteceu não é algo que alguma vez precise de mencionar. É a minha boa oportunidade para estar calada.»

Sobrinha e tios guardarão para sempre o seu segredo como agradecimento por tudo quanto se ajudaram nesse Verão e que perdurá para sempre. No final, uma pequena palavra de quatro letras fez-me chorar.

Há uma cena na praia que me recordou aquele poema Pegadas na Areia:

«Jamais te deixaria nas horas de prova e de sofrimento. Quando viste na areia, só um par de pegadas, eram as minhas. Foi exactamente aí que eu te carreguei em meus braços.»

Extraordinário pela beleza da escrita dos sentimentos e das lições de vida.



mabbyreads's review against another edition

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3.0

maybe I'm not ready for books like this. The writing was beutiful, no doubt, but i kinda didn't care. I'll definitely try again someday.

nathansnook's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

When we look at family, we look at them at face value, not understanding that at fairgrounds with little girls on daddy's shoulders or smiles behind cotton candy and hot dogs have layers. There's a layer to the smile. There's a layer to the strength a father holds up his daughter. And these layers act as waves. Waves of time. Waves of understanding. Waves of memory. Back and forth.

It's all understood here. I'll never not mention the brilliant economy of words that Keegan has in relaying story. I could reread this forever. There's so much here. Rich in density. in the dialogue. In the scenes. The funeral! The land. The father. The love. Care.

Read this in a single sitting in front of a mother reading to her child. In whispers. In fascination. In much fostering.

<3

🥮🥮🥮

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