A powerful story about legacy, loss and the possibility of reconciliation
“ ‘The home scar,’ she’d said. ‘That’s what they call the mark limpets make on the rock when they return.’ ” Kathleen MacMahon’s fourth novel, The Home Scar, tells the story of adult siblings trying to reconcile a childhood marked by instability and loss. Throughout the book there is a tremendous sense of nostalgia, in its literal translation from the Greek, pain, where the desire to return to one’s place of origin evokes suffering.
Artist Cassie flies in from Mexico, Christo from his job as a maths professor in Cambridge. Certain facts are established: they are half-siblings, their mother is dead, Cassie is an orphan, Christo might as well be for all the contact he has with his father, an ageing rock star. The peace they hope to find in the west of Ireland centres on a local family, whose son Seamus formed a trio with the siblings that fateful summer.
To say too much more would spoil one of the pleasures of MacMahon’s writing, namely the elegant way she imparts information as the story unfolds. She is a natural storyteller, knowing when to withhold or indulge. Her writing is understated and precise, full of cadence, as she switches expertly between the perspectives of the siblings and local man Seamus.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Limerick strike 1-27 in front of home fans to power past Clare in league clash15,521 were in attendance for tonight’s meeting of Limerick and Clare.
Read more »
'They never came home' - Family of Stardust fire victims hold vigil at old siteA candlelight vigil was held today to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the Stardust fire in Du...
Read more »
Sara Cosgrove - Get To Know The Home of the Year 2023 JudgeHome of the Year returns to our screens on RTÉ One from February 14 2023. We speak to judge Sara Cosgrove about her home and inspirations
Read more »
Austin Gleeson steers Waterford home against LaoisWaterford outscore Laois by 0-17 to 0-5 in the final quarter
Read more »
Dublin family at wits end as home under siege from intimidating drug addictsOne young family faces a 'nightmare' on their doorstep every time they leave their Dublin city centre home. For the last 18 months, Karol Wisniewski, his partner Paulina Kepinska and their children Julia, 7, and Sabina, 4, have been living in what they describe as a 'dump'.
Read more »
Home renovation: ‘You do your budget then realise it is a work of fiction’Renovating this Victorian sea-side home was not without challenges, but today the owners have no regrets
Read more »