This was a profound novel that centers around shame. It takes place in the 1960's in Ireland. Marian, a Catholic woman in her twenties, falls in love with a Jewish man, Ben, and becomes pregnant with their child. She struggles with what to do and eventually decides on giving away the child. This decision turns out to affect them all more than she ever thought it would.This novel is definitely not for the squeamish as it touches on some pretty horrible things. It shows the abuse children suffered at the hands of the staff at Irish Industrial schools. It was heartbreaking to read about the appalling things that happened to the young characters in this novel.This novel will make you think. This isn't a happy story about the reuniting of a family, it is much more complex. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend this book to others.*I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway that in no way affects the content of my review.*
