Of Broken Things

by Lynda Tavakoli

Of Broken Things It is 1920's Ireland and JOHN FLYNN is ten years old when his much longed for sister STELA is born at their isolated cottage. She is a beautiful child whom John sees as a gift sent to alleviate the harshness of his life with an alcoholic father REDMOND, who he has come to despise. Within a few weeks of Stela's arrival John is unexpectedly left to look after his mother and sister during a snowstorm after Redmond fails to return from one of his many prolonged absences. Taking on adult responsibilities at such a young age has a profound effect on the young John and he is unable to forgive his father for abandoning the family during times of greatest need. CASSIE, John's mother, takes solace in visits from a priest FATHER KEARNEY who often acts as intermediary between Cassie and Redmond when overwhelming problems, caused by Redmond's antisocial behaviour, become apparent. Stela grows strong under the protection and deep love of her brother who teaches her about nature and uses her as a delighted audience for his make-believe stories. Stela develops normally until she approaches her third birthday when she withdraws from the world and only communicates meaningfully with her beloved brother. When tragedy strikes, a web of deceit within the community begins to unravel. 'Of Broken Things' is a beautifully written tale not only of tragedy, of fear and of mistrust, but also of love. It is a 'must read' novel from the author of 'Attachment.'

Genres: Historical

302 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2011

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel of growing up in poverty in rural Ireland, though it could have been anywhere. Nicely written but quite bland.

[Samantha Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think when I first started reading this book that I held a few preconceived ideas about it. The front cover and the title are somewhat somber and as the strap line says it looks as though it's "Guaranteed to pull at the heart strings." Therefore I expected it to be a rather bleak read, reminiscent of the style of Memoir by John McGahern or Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. Both of these are excellent books of course, but they pull no punches concerning the poverty and social issues of the era.
Of Broken Things does not shy away from these matters either but Lynda Tavakoli handles them in a very different manner. She does not paint characters that merely survive terrible hardship and tragedy whilst bearing up as best they can. She creates characters who quite believably, cling to what beauty, love and hope they can find in this world, allowing it to sustain them.
I loved the way the story was lightened with descriptions of country life and insightful observations concerning human nature. Through them, their world became real to me in a way that only good books are able to do. In fact her narrative was effortless and an absolute joy to read. If you want a book to lose yourself in, this is the one for you.

[Chris Bullock · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pleasant enough book, and well written. However it seemed rather 'sugar coated' regarding the despair and misery that it was supposedly portraying - the level of emotion seemed to be much the same whether describing the beauty of flowers and trees or alternately the shock of someone's death.
Nevertheless, easily readable with a well thought out plot and resolution.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, poignant and intriguing story about life in rural Ireland in the 1900's. It has romance, mystery, heartache and happiness all rolled into one. I found that once I started reading I just couldn't put it down.

[Sydney Mcknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lynda is a friend of mine and I read it because of this. However I really enjoyed this beautifully written book.