In his comments to the Chicago Public Library, Toibin said he wrote this book after rereading Jane Austin and that in some sense this is his homage to her. Readers will find the book very understated, but the themes of place and belonging and how one finds oneself situated in society at large are major ones. I found the book rewarding but not an easy read in spite of its slender profile. It is a thoughtful book and requires work on the part of the reader. People with an Irish heritage will recognize these characters.