In Claire Keegan's novella Foster, a young unnamed girl in 1980s rural Southeast Ireland is sent to live temporarily with relatives, the Kinsellas, due to her parents' financial struggles. Through the couple's unexpected kindness and care, she experiences profound personal growth and grapples with the presence of their deceased son during her transformative summer stay.

Claire Keegan's Foster has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with critics praising its lyrical prose, emotional depth, and poignant storytelling. The novella's exploration of family dynamics and rural Irish life is highly lauded. Some reviewers mention it’s a bit short, leaving readers wanting more. Overall, Foster is acclaimed for its evocative and powerful narrative.

Readers who appreciate the quiet, profound storytelling found in Claire Keegan's Foster will likely enjoy this novella. The reader profile includes fans of character-driven narratives and rich, understated prose, similar to those who value Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and Atonement by Ian McEwan.

Contemplative / Emotional / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Heartwarming

- Foster by Claire Keegan was first published in the New Yorker Magazine in 2010 before being released as a standalone book.
- Claire Keegan is an acclaimed Irish writer, and Foster has received international recognition, highlighting her talent for evoking deep emotional landscapes in her narratives.
- The story is set in rural Ireland and captures the nuances and intricacies of family dynamics, demonstrating Keegan's skill in exploring human relationships with sensitivity and depth.

**The Narrator**  
An unnamed young girl who spends a transformative summer with the Kinsellas, gaining emotional insight and experiencing a sense of belonging.

**Edna Kinsella**  
A kind and capable farmwife who forms a significant bond with the narrator, providing care and a nurturing environment during her stay.

**John Kinsella**  
A dependable and generous farmer who creates a warm and supportive atmosphere for the narrator, helping her grow and learn.

**Da**  
The narrator’s father, who struggles with gambling and alcohol issues, embodying a neglectful and uninvolved parental role.

**Ma**  
The narrator’s mother, who manages their large family with limited resources, showcasing the challenges of rural life in 1980s Ireland.

**Mildred**  
A neighbor of the Kinsellas, whose curiosity and gossip lead to a pivotal moment in the story.

Claire Keegan

Adult

Novella

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Foster

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