Foster by Claire Keegan

Posted on | June 28, 2010 | 10 Comments

Foster by Claire Keegan is an extended and amended short story being released by Faber later this year; a shorter version with the same title is available to read here on The New Yorker. I am posting my thoughts on the proof copy so far in advance of its publication (September in the UK) to urge you to read the online version first of all -whilst it is available- and follow it up with the revised edition when you can. There are enough differences between the longer and shorter stories that it is interesting to read both to analyse Keegan’s writing development between the two and the changes she makes. I am also posting about it now because this is one of the best short stories I have read for some time and I am an immediate fan of Keegan’s writing, seeking out an earlier collection, Walk the Blue Fields, upon closing the back cover.

The proof copy stands at fifty-seven pages, which is long for a short-story, of course, but short for a stand-alone book; apparently the non-proof copy will have a lengthy introduction but, currently, it is the shortest book in my collection (even surpassing this book, that I love). It also has a beautiful front cover, albeit interpretative of the title and not entirely reflective of the content. Keegan’s work has been critically-acclaimed and she the recipient of a number of literary prizes with the original “Foster” winning her another.

Set in rural Ireland, a young (nameless) girl is sent to live with foster parents whilst her mother gives birth to another child in an already large family; the girl is unaware of when she will return home. The foster family know her parents, with inferences to them being her mother’s people, but they are strangers to the girl. The relationship that the girl builds with the Kinsellas is touching and poignant; they show her more love and pay her more attention than she has ever received before, which makes her feel guilty upon her return to her parents, a return that is heartbreaking. At times the relationship appears insidious but the power of this story is how open to interpretation it is; in the extended version there are several points where I felt confused by events but in an entirely good way as Keegan shows but never tells. Of course, what she shows is through the eyes of a child and is all the more powerful for it; she subtly infers but never, ever clarifies.

The subtlety though is so subtle that it may not be picked up by every reader and is entirely subjective. I think Keegan plays with expectations and toys with the reader wanting more, expecting more. It is a exceedingly gentle story with not much in the way of events; instead it explores the experience of the girl staying with the Kinsellas and what it means to both parties. Keegan evokes the conflict of a child craving more attention from parents with other children vying for their focus; as the eldest child, she is rather neglected but the Kinsellas are very affectionate towards her and nurture as a child should be nurtured, no matter how many to a family. The story concerns the emotional connection between the girl and the Kinsellas and the conflicting emotions she experiences comparing her own parents with her foster ones. I also found allusions to being an only child opposed to one with siblings (as someone who was an only child for a long time before a much-younger sibling joined me, I can empathise greatly with these emotions) in the text, deepening my emotional connection to it and the girl.

The brevity of Foster is not an issue; there is both powerfully moving subject matter and stunning prose. Keegan’s writing is beautiful with each and every word weighted and evocative of Ireland. My grandparents are Irish and I recognised tone, expression and culture that is indicative of the Ireland I know and its people. This Irish writer displays astonishing emotional-depth in this haunting story. Foster, for all these reasons is something read that will not be forgotten; I will be thinking of this short story for a long time. Please read it.

Comments

10 Responses to “Foster by Claire Keegan”

Vasilly
June 29th, 2010 @ 5:19 am

Wonderful review. Of course now I have to read this story. I wonder if the foster parents ever asked if they could keep the girl longer.
Verity
June 29th, 2010 @ 8:53 am

This sounds intriguing, especially the fact that there are two versions of the story. I suppose it is like Katherine Mansfield’s Aloe which she reworked. I also wonder at what point a short story becomes a novella…
Paperback Reader
June 29th, 2010 @ 11:40 am

Vasilly, I think the foster parents had pre-arranged with the parents a return date, which the girl was oblivious to. It’s wonderfully done.

Verity, yes, it is like The Aloe in that it was re-worked; always interesting to see a writer’s earlier versions (like Woolf’s Melymbrosia).

Apparently a short story becomes a novella at 17,500-40,000 words but I don’t know what that coverts to page-wise. When they are bound as stand-alones then I tend to think of them as novellas and italicise the title rather than place in iverted commas (short stories are defined that way). I make the distinction between book and short story that way.
Simon (Savidge Reads)
June 29th, 2010 @ 11:47 am

Sounds interesting, I might just check out the short story in The New Yorker. I am not sure I would rush to buy a book this small though, and a weighty introduction might put me off more. Call me contrary it just seems a book with a mammoth introduction makes me wary. I dont read them till after have read the book anyways haha.
kimbofo
June 29th, 2010 @ 12:02 pm

Sounds great, Claire. Will add it to the wishlist.

And thanks for un-justifying the text! See, I noticed. It was much easier to read!
tea lady (the glittering burn)
June 29th, 2010 @ 12:29 pm

I followed your link and read the story before work this morning and it has stayed with me all day.

I will definitely have to re-read it and explore all those neat tugs and winks it left lurking at the back of my consciousness.

Thank you for highlighting this, I look forward to reading the other version.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)
June 29th, 2010 @ 1:03 pm

This sounds like the sort of thing I’d love. I’ll read the short story later this week and if I enjoy that I’ll kep an eye out for the book. Thanks for pointing it out!
Verity
June 29th, 2010 @ 4:21 pm

Thanks for the info re novella/short story – I think you’re right, binding is probably the best way to distinguish, but sometimes a novella published separately can be bound in with other short stories which is a further difficulty!
kimbofo
June 29th, 2010 @ 8:11 pm

Me again… printed out the New Yorker version and read it on my commute home… gorgeous, heartfelt story… and I quite like the fact it’s set in Wexford (where my inlaws live)
Paperback Reader
June 29th, 2010 @ 8:50 pm

Simon, you are so contrary! Hee. No, I completely understand the reluctance to buy something that short and I’m relieved I received a review copy; however, knowing how good it is, I would part with the money.

Kim, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the story and knew the area. It is gorgeous.

Also glad that my posts are now easier to read

tea lady, delighted that you read and enjoyed it. I think it will be one I reread often as it has so much to offer.

Jackie, I think the emotional depth will be to your liking, providing that you are aware -as you will be from my post- that there isn’t much in the way of action, if any.

Verity, that is most definitely a further difficulty! Case in point: The Awakening by Kate Chopin (have you read it? If not, you really should).