Colm Tóibín's long-anticipated sequel to 'Brooklyn' is 'Long Island'
May 15, 2024
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Author Colm Tóibín discusses his unexpected sequel to 'Brooklyn,' 'Long Island,' following protagonist Eilis Lacey in her 40s. The story delves into her domestic upheaval after discovering her husband's affair. Tóibín explores Eilis's return to Ireland, cultural clashes, and the evolution of self-perception, leaving room for future sequels.
Colm Tóibín's unexpected sequel 'Long Island' challenges protagonist Eilis Lacey in her 40s with new life obstacles.
Creating moments of pure terror for characters can drive the narrative forward and shape their growth.
Deep dives
Colm Toibin's Unplanned Sequel 'Long Island'
Colm Toibin, known for his novel 'Brooklyn', unexpectedly wrote a sequel called 'Long Island' about the same character, Eilish Lacey, now a mother in her 40s. Toibin didn't intend to create a sequel but was inspired by an image that came to his mind, leading him to explore Eilish's new life. The novel begins with a dramatic event that challenges Eilish and sets the tone for the narrative, emphasizing the importance of creating moments of pure terror for characters to drive the plot forward.
Exploring Eilish's Return to Ireland in 'Long Island'
In 'Long Island', Eilish returns to her hometown in Ireland where she faces personal revelations and cultural differences. Colm Toibin draws from his own experiences of revisiting familiar places, infusing authenticity into Eilish's journey. Through Eilish's interactions and observations, Toibin delves into themes of self-awareness, cultural identity, and unspoken emotions, creating a nuanced portrayal of a character navigating complex relationships and inner turmoil.
The writer Colm Tóibín says he never meant to write a sequel to his 2009 novel Brooklyn. But an image came to him years later, of his protagonist from that book suddenly finding out her husband has had an affair that resulted in a pregnancy — and so he followed the story in Long Island. In today's episode, NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Tóibín about revisiting Eilis Lacey in her 40s and upending her domestic life.
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