McKeon, Belinda

With the mastery of Anne Enright—and the influence of Maeve Binchy and Edna O'Brien also evident—McKeon delivers a heartfelt and tragic second novel (after Solace). The subtle narrative pacing and deep descriptions of both Dublin and the characters and their distinctive habits believably convey the often heartbreaking initiations of young adulthood. [See Prepub Alert, 8/3/15.]

McKeon's debut novel heralds a powerful new voice in contemporary Irish fiction, displaying a deliberateness and quiet strength that provides a notable contrast to the frenetic depiction of everyday lives evident in much modern fiction. McKeon's command of description and pacing are especially impressive. Colm Tóibín's stylistic influence is evident throughout, though McKeon's treatment of romance and relationships calls to mind Anne Enright's best work.