Some of you may remember Colm Tóibín's wonderful novel, Brooklyn (which I loved!). In Long Island we revisit Eilish Lacey 20 years on. She’s settled on Long Island with her husband, Tony and their two children, surrounded by Tony’s Italian family. But when Eilish receives shattering news, she returns to her hometown in Ireland and tries to work through the difficult choices she must make. Most of the book is set in Ireland and Tóibín treats us to a masterful story filled with longing and regret. I enjoyed the book immensely but struggled a little with the change in tone. While Brooklyn was infused with hope and love, Long Island has grown up and become disillusioned. It is less-romantic and more cynical, consequently destroying my dreams of Eilish heading off into the sunset (yes I’m a dreamer and a romantic). You don’t have to have read Brooklyn first but I recommend you do.