I’m
puzzled by the title of this book, as well as by the book itself. Near Dublin, Gina Moynihan, recently married
to Conor, meets Sean Vallely, a married father of one daughter, Evie, and
neighbor and friend of Gina’s sister, Fiona.
Nothing happens after this first meeting for a few years, but ultimately
they begin an affair that affects everyone around them. Meanwhile, it is gradually revealed that Evie
has health problems and is a worry to both her father and her mother,
Aileen. Chapter titles seem to all be 60’s
rock-and-roll songs, which is also puzzling (The Shoop Shoop Song: It’s in his kiss; Will you love me tomorrow,
etc.) since the book is set during the recent financial meltdown of the Celtic
Tiger, and the rest of the world. I
haven’t read the author’s Man Booker award-winning book, The Gathering, and must admit this new novel, which I guess I put
on reserve since it was nominated for the Orange Prize, doesn’t make me want
to. Gina loves Sean, Sean loves Gina but
it isn’t his first affair, Aileen is odd, Evie outgrows most of her mysterious
fits then grows into a troubled teenager.
So……..? Sorry, I don’t get it. Gets great reviews from lots of other more
literate folks – or does the Emperor have no clothes? 263 pp.
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