by Jan Karon
Part of Mitford Years, book 11
First published 2010
Father Tim and his wife Cynthia settle into a fishing lodge in western Ireland. Tim plans to trace his Kavanagh family roots while enjoying the peaceful countryside of County Sligo. Their quiet research trip turns complicated when Cynthia surprises a burglar in their lodge and injures her ankle in the process. The situation worsens when thieves steal a precious painting from their hosts. Tim and Cynthia discover that the theft cuts deeper than money or art. The lodge owners harbor secrets that have torn their family apart for years. As Tim tries to help, he uncovers a web of hidden truths and bitter resentments. The Irish family struggles between their need to protect painful secrets and their desire to finally speak honestly. Tim finds himself caught between his role as pastor and his position as guest. The stolen painting becomes a symbol of larger losses that have haunted this family for generations. Cynthia's physical injury heals, but the emotional wounds around them prove more difficult to mend.
Genres: mystery, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: County Sligo, Ireland, Western Ireland
Period: Contemporary
399 pages · Hardcover · Viking Penguin