This is one of the 1001 Books we're all supposed to read, but must confess this is another "why, exactly?" for me. It was likeable but not much more. I read O'Brien's "House of Splendid Isolation" a few years ago & liked it a lot more. I think I just don't like "good girls" in literature! The best part of this book was when shy, insecure Kate escapes from her father's house. If you really like books set in Ireland, you'll probably enjoy this - it's probably a fairly authentic period piece - otherwise, maybe not.