Foster

There is no literary joy quite like the joy of an author dropping you into a short story in the middle of a scene engrossing you in the narrative in such a way that most authors are not able to do in pages and pages and pages. I am always in AWE when an author can make me care so deeply about the characters in just a couple of pages. There is an instant connect in a great short story with the narrative that is so soul-satisfying. All the stars in the world.

A very very short book (especially if you are listening to an audiobook) but very well written. This is a great example of saying a lot using few words. Writing is powerful at the same time very tender.

I am looking forward to read more of Claire Keegan now!

“It's too good, she is. She wants to find the good in others, and sometimes her way of finding that is to trust them, hoping she'll not be disappointed but she sometimes is.” ― Claire Keegan

“You don't ever have to say anything,” he says. “Always remember that as a thing you need never do. Many's the man lost much just because he missed a perfect opportunity to say nothing.”

A child is taken by her father to live with relatives. The contrast between the foster parents and the child's real parents is strong, and the child thrives in the love she receives. But then she must return home.

Foster is a tiny novel of less than a hundred pages, and every word counts. It almost feels like a meditation.

So happy for those who told me about this author...

“[b:Foster 8143909 Foster Claire Keegan https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328146652l/8143909.SY75.jpg 12942254]” by [a:Claire Keegan 274817 Claire Keegan https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1309920304p2/274817.jpg] is a short story about (parental) love. A girl from an economically-challenged family is sent to relatives, Mrs. and Mr. Kinsella (who have lost their only child), to be temporarily cared for. The Kinsellas seem to be slightly better off than the girl's parents but certainly not much.The strength of this short story lies in what's implied: From the very beginning the unnamed girl is treated with kindness. When she wets her bed, her foster mother scolds herself (and the mattress!) for putting the girl on an old “weeping” mattress and simply goes on to clean it with the girl's help.The girl's foster father takes her on a walk and while talking to her, gives her all the room to respond or to remain silent (and explicitly tells her so) - whatever the girl needs. He simply takes her hand and guides her along her way. Letting her go and return, letting himself be carried by the girl's quiet joy...During her stay over the summer, the girl lives through completely ordinary situations but the Kinsellas do not just give her food and lodging but share their lives and love. They completely open up to the girl and allow themselves to feel for her and treat her like the girl was their own child.The girl herself realises her own incipient tender feelings only at the very end of this story.The writing is immaculate, the pacing is great and the length of less than 15.000 words is perfect. This is probably the most emotional, tender, and kind short story I've read so far.Five out of five stars for the shortest masterpiece I've read. Highly recommended!Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

Tremendous. Simply tremendous. 

””“
‘Are you afraid of the dark?'

I want to say I am afraid but am too afraid to say so.
””“

...

””“
There's a big moon shining on the yard, chalking our way onto the lane and along the road. Kinsella takes my hand in his. As soon as he takes it, I realise my father has never once held my hand, and some part of me wants Kinsella to let me go so I won't have to feel this.
”””