The Queen of Dirt Island

Not knowing Donal is an Irish man’s name, I devoured this story about four generations of Irish women, not nearly appreciating the author’s finesse in capturing a feminine perspective.

It’s another underdog story: Widowed Eileen is an outcast in her small town and has been disowned by her wealthy family. Her child Saoirse grows up in the shadow of Eileen’s so-called shame, and although they are decent people, their precarious social status creates obstacles and even danger outside the haven of their home. At first, Eileen’s harsh verbal exchanges with her mother-in-law offended me, but the humor and affection behind… show more.