Brooklyn (Eilis Lacey Series)

Colm Tóibín’s New York Times bestselling novel—also an acclaimed film starring Saoirse Ronan and Jim Broadbent nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture—is “a moving, deeply satisfying read” (Entertainment Weekly) about a young Irish immigrant in Brooklyn in the early 1950s.

“One of the most unforgettable characters in contemporary literature” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), Eilis Lacey has come of age in small-town Ireland in the hard years following World War Two. When an Irish priest from Brooklyn offers to sponsor Eilis in America, she decides she must go, leaving her fragile mother and her charismatic sister behind.

Eilis finds work in a department store on Fulton Street, and when she least expects it, finds love. Tony, who loves the Dodgers and his big Italian family, slowly wins her over with patient charm. But just as Eilis begins to fall in love, devastating news from Ireland threatens the promise of her future.

Author “Colm Tóibín…is his generation’s most gifted writer of love’s complicated, contradictory power” (Los Angeles Times). “Written with mesmerizing power and skill” (The Boston Globe), Brooklyn is a “triumph…One of those magically quiet novels that sneak up on readers and capture their imaginations” (USA TODAY).

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Published Sep 8, 2015

288 pages

Average rating: 7.16

210 RATINGS

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Torrance Book Club

The Torrance Book Club was started many years ago by Michelle. We used to meet in person, but after Covid began meeting virtually and like the ability to include readers from all areas.

Wednesday Book Group

The Wednesday Book Group, formerly known as the CTC Mall Book Group, began as a joint venture between the Kanawha County Public Library (KCPL) and Charleston Town Center (CTC) Mall in Charleston, West Virginia. This group is now under the sole purview of the KCPL.

Community Reviews

K Olson
Jan 14, 2025
4/10 stars
2.5 stars. I thought the main character fell flat. Not sure why it got such rave reviews.
Khris Sellin
Jul 05, 2024
10/10 stars
I loved this book. Just a nice, simple read. I felt right away like I knew Eilis and couldn't wait to see how her life unfolded. As one description says, there's no high drama here, but just a young woman's story. Bittersweet.
annsipansy
Mar 03, 2026
8/10 stars
About a young Irish immigrant sponsored to come to America to better her life and how she evolved while still dealing with her family back in Ireland.
JCousin
May 13, 2025
9/10 stars
I had seen the movie years ago. I really liked both. I wish I had read the book first. Either way, a great story about immigration, change, youth and growth.
katietopp
Jan 01, 2025
8/10 stars
I enjoyed this book up until the end. I felt like it didn't really have an ending. Just stopped. Like there is a piece missing.

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