This was a lovely novel. the sort of story that feels very comforting, even as it is at turns heartbreaking. Daniel Sullivan meets Claudette Wells almost on accident, and this is the story of their marriage. He is an American linguist with Irish roots and a penchant for studying abroad. She is a British movie star of immense fame, who tired of her life in the limelight. Both have rather significant pasts before they meet each other at a crossroads in Ireland – but once they’ve met, they fall in love, marry, and have two children together. Their lives become enmeshed – but as we all know, bringing two people together is never easy. Their past is never quite in the past. Much like real people, their love for each other is achingly marred by the flaws they both possess.
Daniel and Claudette begin the novel at their home in Donegal, a secluded place sheltered by a dozen gates – a haven for their blended family. Daniel is about to leave on a trip – a combination of business, and a trip back to the US to see his family (with whom he’s not quite estranged, but nor is he close). A chance mention of the death of a former girlfriend caught in a snippet of radio programming changes his plans, and soon enough his marriage. Along the way we learn more about both Daniel, Claudette, and the many people around them who love them, depend on them, raise them. O’Farrell is masterful at leaping through time, planting small details along the way that are mentioned again like gifts, highlighting the connections all around us. It’s just a lovely novel all around.