Strong Relationships

• Book: Ellis Island
• Location: County Mayo, New York City (NYC)
• Author: Kate Kerrigan

Review Author: Anne Cater

I really enjoyed both of Kate Kerrigan’s previous novels and was delighted that Ellis Island lived up to expectations. I’ve noticed that some reviewers have compared it to Brooklyn and whilst both stories are of a young Irish girl emigrating to the States, I personally don’t feel it’s fair to make comparisons. These are two totally different style of author and I enjoyed both of them, but in different ways.

The early part of the novel, set in Ireland was flawlessly written. It is all too often forgotten just how and why the original IRA came about, that they were not always the terrorists that they are today, that they were brave men who fought for what they believed in.

Ellie had some difficult choices in life, she is a strong, well-written character, not without her faults, but basically a good person. I loved the story of her journey to America, her work, her friends and her new life.

The theme of relationships run strongly throughout the book – parents, friends and lovers.

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