Reviews

I felt the author captured the time period well and I liked how he wrote Eilis's thoughts, often conflicting, and how he showed subtlety how she had changed during her time in America. The love story was not like in the films but complicated and tangled with Eilis's feelings of duty and homesickness.

carlawarla's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

snpf's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautifully written, while at the same time, taut perfection. I felt Eilis's strength as she faced struggle after struggle in this new land, with its many cultural differences, norms, and expectations. I loved how she was no perfect lead character, but rather had some real falls from grace I'll call it so as not to give away any spoilers. I found all of the characters to be rich and interesting, and while Eilis made some questionable decisions, I was rooting for her throughout and hoping she chose wisely in a way that fulfilled her dreams and not her family's expectations. I can't wait until Long Island is finally available from the library to find out "what happens next!"

maureenlessreen's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Beautiful writing. I felt like the first 2/3, very little happened and then a TON of stuff happened and the pacing got faster and faster but then just ended suddenly. I’m very glad I didn’t read this until the sequel because as much as I enjoyed reading the book, it left me unsatisfied.

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