MOTHERS AND SONS by Colm ToibinRead about another book on the list.
The territory between mother and child is well-trodden in Colm Toibin’s writing.
I particularly like his portrayal of those relationships in Mothers and Sons, a collection of eight short stories and one novella.
In one story, a woman left in debt after the death of her husband succeeds in turning their business around to the delight of her son, who hopes to one day take over, not realising her intentions are to sell up and leave town for good.
In another, as a priest prepares to go to court over allegations of abuse, his mother defies her children when she discovers she is the last to know.
Each story is special, not least for the endearments, admissions and accusations that go unsaid.
"The Use of Reason" by Colm Tóibín (from Mothers and Sons) made Ian MacKenzie's top 10 list of artworks in novels.
--Marshal Zeringue
Posts
