Is it possible to both love and hate an ending? Because I do agree with some other reviews of this book - the ending is rather sudden and almost like the author had an extra twenty pages or so that he just forgot to send to the publisher. But, it is also a bit satisfying. I feel as though decisions have been made by the characters between the lines and the way the author writes has given us those answers, just not been explicit about it. I didn't finish it feeling like there was something missing - I could come to my own conclusion.

It's been years since I read 'Brooklyn', but I slotted very easily back into this book and its world (even if I didn't remember some of the characters). It's a surprisingly comforting read considering all the depressing things that happen within it and Toibin's writing is just as magnificent as always. Also, if you have the option, experience the audiobook of this. Jessie Buckley does the narration and as with so many things she does, she is marvellous.