Plain English ‘Long Island’ is a worthy sequel to ‘Brooklyn’
Dec 12, 2024
Colm Tóibín's new novel, a sequel to 'Brooklyn,' centers on Eilis Lacey, exploring her evolution as she navigates identity and family ties in 1970s America. The podcast dives into the emotional complexities of her relationships, revealing the struggles and desires that shape her character. It also examines financial challenges, especially for families in New York City, comparing the high living costs with the reality of middle-class salaries. Language accessibility of both novels enhances the reading experience for diverse audiences.
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Tóibín's Sequel Surprise
- Colm Tóibín, known for Brooklyn (2009), surprisingly wrote a sequel, Long Island.
- He typically avoids sequels, believing novels should stand alone, but couldn't resist this story.
Brooklyn's Plot
- Brooklyn follows Eilis Lacey, an Irish woman who emigrates to 1950s Brooklyn for work.
- She marries Tony, an Italian-American, and faces a dilemma between her new and old life.
Long Island's Plot
- Long Island picks up 20 years later, with Eilis and Tony having two children.
- A man reveals Tony's infidelity, claiming his wife is pregnant with Tony's child.