The Walking People

by Mary Beth Keane

Greta Cahill never believed she would leave her village in the west of Ireland until she found herself on a ship bound for New York, along with her sister Johanna and a boy named Michael Ward. Fifty years later, when the Ireland of her memory bears little resemblance to that of present day, she fears that it is still possible to lose all when she discovers that her children—with the best of intentions— have conspired to unite the worlds she’s so carefully kept separate for decades.

A beautifully old-fashioned novel, The Walking People is a debut of remarkable range and power.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ireland, Historical, Irish Literature, Family, Cultural

392 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 2009

About the author

Mary Beth Keane attended Barnard College and the University of Virginia, where she received an MFA. She was awarded a John S. Guggenheim fellowship for fiction writing, and has received citations from the National Book Foundation, PEN America, and the Hemingway Society. She is the author of five novels, including ASK AGAIN, YES, which was a New York Times Best Seller and was translated into twenty-two languages. Her new novel, WHALE HARBOR, is forthcoming September 29, 2026.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Mary Beth Keane's Ask Again, Yes, I decided to read this, her historical fiction debut first published back in 2009, and which covers similar themes, although there is a marked development in the author's writing in the later novel. This is set in the 1950s and 1960s, providing a detailed and well researched picture of the rural isolation, and impoverishment in a small village in West of Ireland's Galway, juxtaposed with the contrasting bustling, colourful cultural melting pot of New York City. The young Greta 'Goose' Cahill could never have imagined getting on a ship sailing for New York with her older sister, Johanna and 'tinker' Michael Ward but that is exactly what she does with dreams of greater security and a better life ahead of her.

The youngest, she is teased and regarded as different by her family, we learn of the hardships and tragedies of Irish life, Johanna's attraction to the travellers, the walking people, who have seen far more of the world and with greater life experiences. Greta and Johanna are like chalk and cheese, as can be observed by the different path that Johanna chooses to follow in the United States. Surprisingly Greta adjusts to the American challenges facing her remarkably well, carving out a strong sense of identity, becoming an independent woman. She and Michael settle down as a family, and with the belief that she needs to protect the children, buries the secrets that have the potential to threaten them. Whilst the yearning for Ireland and home never fades, the ties weaken considerably through time.

Keane captures the great Irish migration wave to the United States, becoming the 'walking people', helping in the construction of the American water tunnels by the sandhogs, along with the details of Irish life that motivated so many to embark on new lives across the Atlantic. In this character driven read, it is the children who reconnect old lives with the new, with an Ireland that has changed beyond recognition, bringing the possibilities of resolution into play. This is an engaging and thought provoking historical family drama, of struggle, challenges, emotional heartbreaks, friendship, love, and with insights into the Irish immigrant experiences. Many thanks to the publisher.

[Corinne Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I've read a host of books about early 1900s immigration, The Walking People is a story about a different generation of immigrants -the Irish who came to America in the early 60s. Greta's family lives in a tiny, nearly abandoned town in Western Ireland, near the sea and not much else. Life during Greta's childhood was much the same way it had been for hundreds of years, they were warmed by a turf fire and ate by candlelight. 'Tinkers" or "Traveling People" walked the highways and made a living by doing odd jobs, staying in camps along the way. Greta's early interactions with these Traveling People will reverberate and result in relationships that last her lifetime.

The Walking People is about, first and foremost, family. What we do for them and what we inadvertently do to them - and not just the children we raise, but the family we were raised by. Greta's very close relationship with her mother and sister, and how that relationship changed, influenced so much of the way she lived her life. I was sometimes frustrated by the choices she made while at the same time I was sympathetic to why she made those choices. She's an interesting character, this Greta, naive and yet wise - thoughtful and stubborn, and I think Keane did an excellent job of rounding out all her characters. I think I liked reading about the family Greta grew up in more than I liked reading about the family she raised, but maybe that's because I just liked reading about life in Ireland more.

One unique thing about this novel that I appreciated, was its use of time periods. Typically, I am annoyed when we start at the end and then move backwards, because I feel like it rips out the footing from under the plot to already know how the story ended. But somehow, in the Walking People, this devise just completely intrigued me. Even though I knew that certain people would end up being together, I was thrilled to discover how it all happened. So three cheers for that.

I think that for a debut novel, The Walking People is pretty darn amazing, even if the end left me feeling somewhat hanging. If you can overlook the sometimes harsh language, I think you'll appreciate this story that takes you from one side of the Atlantic to the other, down beneath the streets of New York City and back, and leaves you pining for an Irish home that you never even had.

[Chrissie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed listening to this. It was OK, but......

This is one of those books definitely improved by its narration, very well done by Sile Bermingham! Great Irish brogue, and the different women all sound unique. Still, when you look at the book as a whole, you are left rather flat. What does it give you? A "cute" telling of the Irish immigrant story in NYC. Not the early immigrants, but the ones that came in the 60s. Family life and friendship between workmates. What was the sandhog experience like? The job of the sandhog, digging the tunnels for the water pipes of NYC, that too. Half of the book is about the life of Irish gypsies, the "walking people" and life in rural Ireland. Sister relationships, and aging, serious accidents and who exactly is the true mother, the birth mother or the one who raises a child? All of this is covered - some parts flow better than others, but all these different parts are patchy. There is humor and sadness. The poignant end could have been improved. Was the part about Alzheimer's really necessary? You start in 2007, flip back to the past and then go forward to 2007. The book was OK, and certainly very well narrated.

**************

I have chosen to read this book for two reasons. First of all I really liked Mary Beth Keane's Fever, so I have to read another by this talented author. Secondly, when I listened to the sample of this book by the author I both loved the narration by Sile Bermingham, with her wonderful Irish tone, and discovered it begins with a section about NYC sandhogs. Sandhogs is a term used for the Irish, Italian and West Indian immigrants that first dug the tunnels between Manhattan and Brooklyn. So.... I think illogically that the book may be similar to Colum McCann's This Side of Brightness, also about sandhogs! I loved that book, except for its stupid ending. I know this is all rather illogical; I will not get a a continuation of McCann's book, but still it might be good.

[Saleh MoonWalker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Onvan : The Walking People - Nevisande : Mary Beth Keane - ISBN : 547126522 - ISBN13 : 9780547126524 - Dar 416 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2009

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a story of children growing up in a poor rural area of a developing country, dealing with suspicions across ethnic divides, and intrigued by the arrival of electricity in a nearby town, who eventually migrate to America and make their lives there. Such a story could be full of clichés and stereotypes. But this author, instead, tells a story that is so unique and whose characters are so specific to themselves, and writes it so fluidly, that it is authentic. It must be real, even if it was imagined. In telling the stories of these people, the author conveys every level so well - the personal loves, ambitions, and heartaches, as well as the history and cultural differences.

So here are some of the surprises. The developing country is Ireland in the 1950s. The ethnic divide is between Catholics and Tinkers - a minority which seems to be for Ireland what the Roma are to Central Europe. The two sisters and young man who migrate to America create a triangle unlike anything you have read before. The author moves seamlessly between the characters' different perspectives so that you can, at once, believe and share the Catholic suspicion of Tinkers and then believe and share the Tinker suspicion of Catholics. On finishing the book, I felt I understood better what it means to lose a husband, have your children grow up and move away, to be abandoned by a sister, experience the onset of Alzheimer's, to dig a tunnel 700 feet underground, to try to stay warm by a peat fire and, ultimately, to make difficult choices and live life fully.

What more could you ask of a book?

[Diane Webber-thrush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book maybe a year ago, and so many images from it have stuck with me. It is my favorite kind of book: sweeping epic about a culture that I didn't know before I picked up the book, in this case the tinkers of Ireland. The story follows one family from Ireland to New York. It's set in the early - to mid 20th century, but in that part of rural Ireland it was more like the 19th Century.
As a writer, Keane is vivid and lovely. Sentence-to-sentence this is just a beautiful book. Compelling plot and characters too.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Mary Beth Keane's first novel. I sincerely hope it doesn't turn out to be her only novel.

The prologue is dreadfully boring, which is unfortunate, but it's less than 20 pages. Aside from that, this book really captures a lot of truth about the immigrant experience and the flavor of Irish life. If you have Irish immigrant heritage (which I do not), I'd say this is a must-read, or at least a must-try.

The first half of the book takes place in Ireland, describing the poor rural upbringing of the characters. The second half covers their lives after they come to America and gradually assimilate. There's not a lot of excitement in the book, but the writing is excellent and the story grows on you. It's very subtle. I didn't notice how much I had come to love Greta and Michael until I got to the very end and found myself getting a little weepy and drippy.

This is certainly not an Irish jig. More of a slow waltz that could use a little more of everything. A little more sweet, a little more bitter, a little more spice. However, it's clear that a great deal of deliberation and care went into the writing. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a revolution, not a murder, just people put in their own life circumstances. Maybe it was the author, but I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. Maybe it was the couple that Greta and Michael became, and the family they had. It was everything you'd want from a marriage and a family. Two people, coming from such dire circumstances, yet turning their lives into so much love and devotion.

[Brigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Satisfying ending without wrapping everything in a bow. Subtle, beautiful descriptions, especially of the tinkers and the sandhogs working under New York City. Can't wait to read the next one by Mary Beth Keane.

[Dem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel would liked to have given it 3 1/2 stars as feel it deserves more than 3.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a wonderful buck in the style of Maeve Binchey. The beginning setting of remote Galway in the 50s is memorable and beautifully detailed. Detailed, 3D characters. This book is set over fifty years and is a satisfying story of two sisters. I loved it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It's a family epic with a lot of Irish grit and i just couldn't put it down. Would recommend pretty much across the board

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Keane's book takes a bit of background to get into, the reader is soon immersed in the world of an Irish family during the 1950's to the present day. While the time era sounds recent and fresh, there is no connection of the rural Irish family to the trendy American ways across the ocean. As the family endures love, adventure, excitement, and heartache the reader follows the generation across the ocean to America, land of opportunity. Greta and her sister, along with a friend make their ways in the new world, succeeding more than any of them could imagine and finding themselves along the way. Family love and friendships triumph decade after decade in this classic novel of family hope, perseverance, and love. "The Walking People" is an excellent read.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a well-written and obviously well-researched book about of Ireland of the 1960's and the "traveller" community in general. The opening sections of the book that take place in Ireland are the best in terms of invoking a certain time and place, and developing characters in the Cahill family as well as Michael Ward.

But when the book shifts to New York and moves forward in time, the same lingering over details fades, and the details that do exist (i.e., watching All in the Family on TV in 1986) didn't ring true. Character development wanes, and I was left with too many questions at the end of the novel.

[Paula Margulies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut novel! This book is a must-read for anyone who likes novels about Ireland and transatlantic travel. The Walking People tells the story of Greta Cahill, her sister, Johanna, and a boy named Michael Ward. The three of them come to America from a small town outside of Galway during the 1960's. The story covers the early years on the Irish coast with the travelers, or "walking people," New York in the 1960's - modern day, the Irish immigrant experience, and the sandhogs who built the New York water tunnel system. This is a seamlessly written and fascinating story of family, love, and, of course, the secrets that bind and tear them apart.

[J.S. Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 There really ought to be half-stars available...

A touching story and well written. But. After the first 100 pages, its glorification of the mundane and prosaic bits of daily life becomes grating and tempts the reader to skip sections, though in doing so other important bits of the story might be missed. If all the minute details were semiotic it would be one thing, but the style became simply tedious.

For those who know little or nothing about Travellers, no doubt this novel is a surprise. Predictably, this particular narrative leaves out the other half of the story, the not very glamorous aspect.

[Bill Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's tons of atmosphere, detail, and precise descriptions of settings and events here, all in service of a simple, even simplistic, plot in this ultimately too-long novel. The author has done her research, but it shows too obviously and too often does little to advance the story (which there isn't much of).
For the tolerant reader, however, the characters are well-drawn, and the world portrayed is an engaging one.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Jeanette's review of this book and I'm grateful for her recommendation. It is lovingly crafted novel by a writer who respects language, phrasing, who writes carefully but with joy.

There was an otherworldly, almost dreamlike quality to the story set in Ireland (and I loved revisiting in my mind's eye one of my favorites spots on earth- the west of Ireland); Keane's storytelling here reminded me of two of my favorite Irish writers: Edna O'Brien and Niall Williams. Greta's unsentimental coming of age in New York kept the narrative moving gently but solidly. I thought Greta's turning away from "home" and her scattered family rang very true; she was a young woman seeking stability and a sense of place. Her new surroundings gave her structure and independence and a sense of self denied to her by the poverty and isolation of her home. Michael, her love and partner, provided the connection she needed to remain forever with one foot in Ireland.

It was the latter third of the book that story turned a bit predictable and plodding. Years later, Greta and Michael live in the suburbs, living a dull American dream. The characters of her grown children had little substance and the dramatic conclusion felt cliched. It read more like Anne Tyler or Jane Hamilton- a little too Oprah-esque for me. When I felt what was happening, I just wanted to hit rewind and leave the story at its peak.

I do look forward to reading more by Keane- there are not enough authors out there who rely on well-chosen words and interesting characters rather than plot gimmicks to create a story.

[Kris Sondermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this after enjoying Ask Again, Yes, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Mary Beth Keane's writing is wonderful. She really can create an image and tell a story. However, in this novel, the description sometimes gets to be a bit much, and the story skips around a lot. But what bothered me most of all and is the difference between the 3 or 4 stars I was going to give it and the 2 stars I gave it was the ending. It just ended - you've known these people for over 40 years, and it just stops. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought that someone ripped the last 25 pages out of the book. Why do authors think this is a good way to end a story? J. Courtney Sullivan did it in Maine, and this is the same.

[Robin Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walking People may become one of my top 5 all-time favorite books. Even as I write this, I am not sure how to articulate the reasons why I loved this book so much. I was sucked in at the Prologue. I was shocked that every 60-80 pages something would happen that I simply did not expect. I was impressed by the believability of the relationships and the amount of research that must have gone into this book regarding Ireland, the Irish workers in New York, and the evolution of technology. Definitely mark this as your must-read book!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Three young people emigrate from Ireland to New York in the mid-twentieth century. Events from their past keep them from all returning to their native land, yet the pull of family and homeland remains strong. Finally, the next generation brings about healing and understanding. A bad description, but it was so well written. I don't want to give the story away. Can't wait until the author writes another.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow starting book but well worth continuing. Lots of detail about the characters and their life in a dying Irish village. Once the two sisters and the "tinker" boy Michael get to New York their story becomes more interesting and quicker to read. The secret that Greta keeps from her children almost takes on a life of its own however, the expected denoument never happens. The ending was unexpected but still satisfying. A well written, worthwhile read!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written (!!) book. I thoroughly enjoyed it....one of those special books I'll think about often.

[SiSi O'Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow, I really really loved this book.

The best way I can describe it is that it is the Irish Dominicana; a cross between Brooklyn and Dominicana. It is a journey of self discovery and growth that so many people have experienced for centuries and will continue to experience for decades and generations to come.

For those who have read my review about Dominicana, you'll see I wasn't its biggest fan but I think it might have been that I just wasn't in the mood for it when I read it. In the review I point out many reasons why I can see why so many people like it and to be honest, if I was to read it now, I would likely score it a lot higher. But when reading The Walking People I did see some lovely similarities in the journey and personal growth the characters go through. Neither of the stories are dramatic or over the top either; they're very real and tell the story as it is.

The Walking People is an eye opening and thought provoking story of family, loyalty and migration. And not just nay migration but the great Irish migration to the States that occurred throughout the last century and long before that. It is a story that is close to the heart of many Irish people as we all have friends and family who made the daring and uncertain trip to what they hoped would be a better and more prosperous life.

I learnt so much about Ireland, my home country, while reading this book. The fact that parts of Ireland had no electricity until the 60s blows my mind. And children didn't go to school, didn't have shoes and walked miles and miles in their bare feet to fetch water from the river or a well. Ireland is now one of the tech hubs of the world with one of the highest standard of living and to think how much has changed in such a short period of time is baffling!

I love how Keane captured the strength and importance of family throughout the book. No matter what, Greta and Michael always felt a pull back 'home,' even after spending more of their lives in the States than they did in Ireland. The loyalty and dedication that Irish people have for their family is immensely strong and this is something that hasn't changed and likely won't change.

The writing is beautiful and so illustrative - you are transported between modern day New York to New York in the 70s to Ireland in the 50s and 60s and you could so clearly picture yourself in these places. From the vast green fields of the west of Ireland to the bustling and vibrant metropolis of the Big Apple, Keane truly immerses the reader in her world and takes them on this epic journey.

And then of course there are the characters. They are so strong and each played such a pivotal role in the story. I loved how much Greta grew and how her and Michael became such a unit. Their unity and strength to make their life in New York is inspiring and so eye opening to what so many people have gone through. And not just Irish people going to America, all nationalities migrating to other places in hope of a better life.

The secret they refer to in the blurb doesn't actually play a big part in the story. It is always under the surface from about half way through the book but it's really only in the final 20% or so that it really plays a key role in the overall story. And because you, the reader, know what the secret is from half way through, it doesn't actually seem as big a deal. However, the reason for knocking down my score was because the big climax and reveal of the secret at the ending was...let's just say I found the ending unresolved and was a little annoyed the big climax that was about to happen didn't unfold for the reader. I won't say much more because it will spoil it.

So overall, really enjoyed it and it is a fantastic debut from Mary Beth Keane. A huge thank you to Penguin Books and Michael Joseph Books for sending me a copy.

[AK✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Walking People is a sophisticated and honest book of family and loyalty spanning through decades and generations. One of the things I enjoyed the most about Ask Again, Yes was how character-driven it is, and The Walking People has this same engaging strength.

Mary Beth Keane is one of the best when it comes to creating nuanced families. The complex web of connections is very immersive. I haven’t read many books that cover the early 1900s immigration or Irish history, so I enjoyed gaining insight from the characters in The Walking People. The book highlights prejudice towards the travelling community and the Irish immigration to the United States as well as roles and duty within the family.

Each personality is so brilliantly crafted, as are the scenes and settings where their relationships are explored. I actually enjoyed reading about the family, more than I enjoyed the overall plot of the book. In truth, the plot didn’t appeal to me past the first chapter. However, the contrast of rural Ireland to bustling New York with Keane’s raw and real descriptions are compelling. The Walking People is a slow-burning novel, but the unfolding of secrets as the years descend and intricate character profiles kept me reading.

Keane is a noble storyteller and luminously brings together this expansive saga. The Walking People is a debut full of emotion. It explores human nature and family roles, while highlighting the struggle and challenges of immigration.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this title.

Mary Beth Keane is a master of family sagas. I didn’t love this as much as her previous title (‘Ask Again, Yes’), but would still thoroughly recommend it. She creates characters, settings, and scenes that are intricate without being too lengthy, which truly immerses you in the story. With little knowledge of Irish history, I found the beginning of the book interesting and have made a note to add some further reading to my TBR. But it came alive for me once the protagonists reached New York, where the plot developed more rapidly. I wasn’t so caught up that I felt compelled to keep reading, but the experience was enjoyable nonetheless. The ending was interesting: at first I thought it a little unsatisfactory, but I think this is actually Keane making a clever comment on Greta and Julia’s relationship.

[Emer Tannam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

When I was about a quarter of my way through this book I thought it was going to be a 4 even 4.5er. I loved the Irishness of it, the vivid descriptions, and the relationship between the two sisters.

It lost momentum for me then when they went to America. Maybe the Irish gombeen in America is just too familiar. While I remained very sympathetic to Greta’s fear of Johanna’s return, I couldn’t forgive her for not giving Lily the fare to visit. And the surprise visit after 40 years was a bit hard to believe in.

Although the title comes from a term used to describe the traveling community it was disappointing that the main character from that community wanted to settle, although the book was otherwise respectful of the community and culture, at least to my eyes!

Overall, it was a good read, but it’s a pity that the rest of the book wasn’t as enthralling as the first section.

[Bookworm Blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Michael Joseph for approving me for an ARC of this book. I read Mary Beth Keane’s debut and really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this one.

This isn’t the type of read that is all guns blazing and action packed from the start. It’s a slow read that sets the scene and forces you to form bonds with the characters. Told from the POV of Greta we learn how one secret can have huge consequences for the whole family.

The story flicks back and forth from Greta’s childhood in the 60’s to present day where she is a mother herself and her children are also adults. Whilst living in Ireland as a child Greta and her sister Joanna were thick as thieves. They looked out for each other and helped keep their family together after the unexpected death of their father. When Joanna then decides to leave the family home to travel to New York Greta reluctantly decides to go with her. Travelling with them is Michael, a member of the Travelling People, who’s looking to breakaway from his family and set up a permanent home.

As we learn more about their journey to New York and how they settle in the unthinkable happens and Greta is forced to make a hard decision. What Greta didn’t realise at the time was how much her life would change from this one choice and it is clear that she is still haunted by her choices in the present day.

This had a lot of emotion and certainly dug into the roots of the family. Whilst the ending did leave us somewhat at a loose end on reflection I did like it, which is strange because I normally like everything finished neatly. I’d be interested to see what happened next for Greta and her family.

[Darina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Бих казала почти чудесна книга, която за съжаление се превърна в американски обозял ситком след 60%, но предполагам съвсем основателно и целенасочено, заради динамичността и интензитета на американският им живот. Историята проследява взаимоотношенията между Грета Кейхил, сестра ѝ Джоана и Майкъл. 6 години в Ирландия и 40 в Ню Йорк, като съвсем спокойно можеше да е разделена на две отделни книги. До последно се надявах да се върне магията от частта в Ирландия, но уви. И въпреки това оставям 4*, защото авторката ме плени с таланта си.

[Anita Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at rural Ireland in the late 1950's. Greta and Johanna Cahill, 14 and 16, board a ship to New York, accompanied by Michael Ward, a tinker's son. The long journey affects their lives forever. Over the next 50 years, Greta grows from the "goose" of a girl who could barely see into a woman who manages her family and working life while zealously guarding a secret that threatens to ruin her family.

The author did an outstanding job with research and with creating characters who become so real to the reader. I would have liked more resolution at the end but not all family situations, even in books, can be tied up with a red bow.