Is it a 'sleeper' or a 'snoozer' or a well-crafted story with mid-20th century cultural overtones underscored by another look at immigration? Brooklyn, New York seems to be the focal point of lots of commentary in the popular media. This sprawling borough of New York City has been the home to middle-class America for at least 5 generations, and home to many immigrants from European countries, not the least Ireland and Italy.
The story follows Ailish, a 20- something Irish girl from a small town in Ireland where she lived with her attractive older sister and her widowed mother. After some correspondence with contacts in New York and the lack of prospects at home, she decides that moving to America is worth the risk.
Upon arrival in her new home, she moves into a boarding house for single women run by a lovable but watchful Mrs. Keough. The other 4 girls, more worldly and American, are bemused at their newest housemate and her small town simplicity. Her department store job, while not very demanding, presents her with more than a few personal challenges as she begins to adapt.
In time, she begins her makeover, and is successful: she finds a boyfriend; goes to night school and begins a new career, and becomes almost American.
But tragedy intervenes at home-her sister dies suddenly and she returns to Ireland to comfort her Mother. While there, despite her secret marriage in Brooklyn to a local Italian boy, she extends her stay and begins to see her former home in a new light. Then the reality of small town living hits her head on as a local gossip tells her of her secret, locally unknown. That ends any thought of a permanent homecoming, and she decides to return to Brooklyn and her new life.
5 Stars *****
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