Brooklyn

In 1950s Ireland, Eilis Lacey struggles to find a job to support her mother and sister following her father’s death. Then Father Flood, an Irish priest serving in the U.S., offers to sponsor Eilis for immigration to the U.S., and her life is changed forever. Eilis heads off to Brooklyn for a new job, but with fresh opportunities comes an ache for everything she knows back home. Irish American narrator Saoirse Ronan artfully performs Tóibín’s (Long Island) award-winning historical novel nearly 10 years after she captivated audiences with her portrayal of Eilis in its film adaptation. Ronan’s voice perfectly complements Tóibín’s eloquent prose, and her steady pacing contributes to the immersive atmosphere. Listeners will be captivated by her performance of the wide-ranging cast as she moves between careful, lonely Eilis and her carefree roommates, prim landlady Mrs. Kehoe, and easy-going Brooklynite Tony Fiorello. Ronan brings Tóibín’s characters to life as she tackles various Irish and American accents with nuance and skill.