Where have I been that I did not know about Reading Ireland Month? Now in its 7th year, the project runs from March 1 – 31st and is hosted by Cathy from 746 Books. Big thanks to Cathy!
Of course part of the excitement of a new reading project is putting together a pile of potential reads. I quickly went through my shelves and easily found four books that would be perfect for this:
The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen. In this piercing story of innocence betrayed set in the thirties, the orphaned Portia is stranded in the sophisticated and politely treacherous world of her wealthy half-brother’s home in London.
The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy. To the outsider Kit McMahon, growing up in the lakeside village of Lough Glass, leads a charmed life. She is the loved daughter of Martin McMahon, the kindly local pharmacist, and Helen, his beautiful wife. She has a little brother Emmet, a best friend Clio, and a host of other friends. But all is not as it seems.
The Country Girls by Edna O’Brien. Meet Kate and Baba, two young Irish country girls who have spent their childhood together. As they leave the safety of their convent school in search of life and love in the big city, they struggle to maintain their somewhat tumultuous relationship
Taking Chances by Molly Keane. Since the death of their parents, Rougey, Maeve and Her have cared for one another but this patten of intimacy is about to be broken by Maeve’s marriage to Rowley. A week before the wedding, her bridesmaid arrives and it looks like things will get uncomfortable.
Will I read one or a couple? Will I find some other gems on my shelves? Who knows but I plan to have some fun with this. What about you, have you read any of these novels or are you participating in Reading Ireland Month?
I read The Glass Lake a long time ago. Don’t remember much about it, but it was pretty long, right? Hope you enjoy it if that’s what you pick to read. 🙂
Great choices! Thanks so much for joining in, can’t wait to hear how you get on.
Death of the Heart is the only Elizabeth Bowen novel I’ve read. I liked it. And I love Maeve Binchy. Happy reading these! 😀
Kay – Yes, the book is a bit of a chunkster! I still haven’t decided what to read but I remember I also have a Claire Foster book and that one is quite slim so I may end up choosing it. Haha…
Cathy746Books – Really excited to join and read some Irish fiction. So many wonderful authors to choose from right? Thank you for hosting!
Lark – Maeve Binchy is always such a comfort read author isn’t she? I’ve had the Elizabeth Bowen book on my shelves for years so maybe I finally get to it!