Das Dritte Licht | Claire Keegan (Original Title: Foster)


short story | irish | books by women

First published 2010


Gif of the bookcover Das Dritte Licht by Claire Keegan

Originally written in English, but I read the german translation, Das Dritte Licht is a novella set in rural Ireland. It follows the story of a young girl who has been sent to live with her family's distant relatives for the summer while her mother gives birth to another child. The story is told through the young girl's eyes and we experience a world of tenderness and care that contrasts sharply with the neglect she is accumstomed to at home.

Keegen is a masterful storyteller and uses language to evoke deep emotion. She delicately crafts the relationship of the young protaganist with her foster family beautifully. The story explores themes of loss, love, family and belonging. The young girl flourishes under the care of her foster family, and the reader is brought along, feeling the warmth of the newfound security she has been given.

The ending of the story is extremely sad and your heart will break for the young girl and her foster family, when she finally returns to her family's home after the birth of her new baby brother. It's a book that really leaves thr reader wanting more and the characters really take your heart along with them.


Posted 04.10.2024



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