The Railway Station Manby Jennifer Johnston
Another book by my absolute favourite Jennifer Johnston.
The protagonist is Helen Cuffe, a widow living alone somewhere in Co Donegal, near the coast. One day when her son Jack is visiting, she finds out an Englishman, Roger Hawthorne, has moved to the village, attempting to restore the old railway station, and to help with that - Damian Sweeney, a local rogue (kind of crushworthy material - he knits!). They fall in love, Helen and Roger. Also, Helen sort of rediscovers herself through her art. These descriptions were beautifully done, by the way.
The book has several themes, Troubles, for instance, and then also larger themes such as love, family relations, etc.
Although Johnston holds true to her tradition, providing us with an unhappy ending, there's also beautiful and powerful prose. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoy her style. She's a natural with words, partly credited to her nationality, as well, perhaps. The Irish are great with words, and there's no denying that.
Anyways, this book is one of my favourites by her. Another 5/5. Heart-wrenchingly sad yet beautiful. And there are no more JJ's books available in Estonia! In English, that is. There is one in Estonian I haven't read yet, but I must say that she's better in the original. Even more amazing.
Enough, now. I'm boring you. Read Jennifer Johnston!, and that's an order.
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