Foster by Claire Keegan
I found this story at The New Yorker website.
The setting is rural Ireland and the narrator is an unnamed girl in her preteens. She is dropped off by her father to her "mother's people" to stay with them for undetermined amount of town. I think it is her Aunt and Uncle but can't be sure. Her family is very poor and her mother is pregnant yet again and about to give birth.
She doesn't have any belonging or clothes with her except for what she is wearing at the time and she is filthy and has lice.
The aunt and uncle treat the girl like one of their own children and she blossoms under their care. They have a secret about why the posses boy's clothing which, the girl discovers in time.
Posts
Sounds fantastic. I'm off to read it now. Here's a link to my short story post today: TexasRed Books
TexasRed said... July 19, 2010 at 11:11 AM
The way you describe it sounds like a very typical Irish story-- not that that's a bad thing.
The New Yorker seems to have far more hits than misses with their short story offerings don't they?
By the way, I invite you to leave a link to the post over at The Book Mine Set.
John Mutford said... July 19, 2010 at 4:32 PM
TexasRed I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I'm off to read your post.
John, I have read some really good stories in the New Yorker. I have read a few duds as well. I do agree that the there are more good stories than bad there.
I always leave a link to my short story posts on your site, I just hadn't had time to do it until now. I was away for the weekend and had this post scheduled to post.
Teddy Rose said... July 19, 2010 at 10:25 PM
This sounds like a good one. The New Yorker doesn't disappoint very often... I'm falling way behind and they're piling up on me again!
JoAnn said... July 20, 2010 at 3:29 AM
I just finished reading this story. It was Excellent, with a capital E. I had tears in my eyes by the end. Thanks so much for suggesting Foster.
Margot said... July 20, 2010 at 9:25 AM
JoAnn, I wish I had time to read and review more short stories.
Margot, I knew you would love this story. It had your name written all over it. LOL!
Teddy Rose said... July 20, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Post a Comment