Claire Keegan’s Foster is a poignant and beautifully crafted novella that captures the complexities of love, loss, and belonging. Set in rural Ireland, the story follows a young girl sent to live with distant relatives while her impoverished parents prepare for the arrival of another child. In the care of the Kinsella family, the girl experiences kindness and stability for the first time, but she also uncovers deep-seated grief within her foster family. Keegan’s lyrical prose vividly portrays the innocence of childhood and the unspoken emotions that define human relationships, making Foster a profoundly moving exploration of the transformative power of compassion.

Why Read This Book

• A masterclass in understated yet deeply emotional storytelling.
• Captures the essence of rural Ireland with vivid and evocative descriptions.
• Explores themes of familial bonds, identity, and the need for care and affection.
• Short yet impactful, showcasing Keegan’s ability to convey profound depth in a limited space.
• Perfect for readers who appreciate quiet, introspective narratives that linger in the heart.

About the Author

Claire Keegan is an award-winning Irish writer celebrated for her ability to evoke powerful emotions through spare and elegant prose. Her works, including Small Things Like These and Walk the Blue Fields, often explore themes of rural life, familial ties, and personal transformation. Keegan has received numerous accolades, including the Davy Byrnes Irish Writing Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her keen observational skills and poetic storytelling have solidified her reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Irish literature.