It appears I am having a phase of enjoying Irish literature – it has not been intentional but a sheer conincidence which has brought me to some wonderful books. ‘Where the Heart Should Be’ had been a treat to me, from me, when I spotted in one of my favourite independent bookshops, ‘Warwick Books’. I am a fan of Sarah Crossan’s free verse novels and this one had an additonal appeal of being a piece of historical fiction – based on the tragic events of the potato famine in Ireland.
This is a love story, a comment on social equality and justice, and historical fiction. And, it is safe to say, I absolutely adored this book. It had everything that you would expect from the pen of Sarah Crossan; it was beautifully constructed, the characters were engaging and it was emotive and atmospheric. I could not put this book down once I started it, I was swept away in the story.
I think what is important about this book is that it shows that love can cross divides but what makes this so tragic is that there, sadly, are always those who will not allow the love across the divide, or support the healing that it may bring. This book shows the harm that is inflicted when those who seem powerful try to control others – and the cruelty this can lead to. But, what really made me stop and think, and may have caused me to shed a tear, was the sheer injustice of the situation in Ireland at the time (and sadly for centuries) – the divides caused by the intolerance of those who chose to make Ireland their home, despite it already being the home of others.
I do not want to spoil this book for anyone, so I think the best way to appreciate this book is make sure you read it. But, be prepared that it will stay with you forever – and you will carry the characters around forever, thinking about them and their future.