The unnamed narrator of Eimear McBride's debut doesn't get much joy from her 20 years.
Her older brother survives a cancerous brain tumour when born and grows up stunted and simple. They share a special bond but one which is increasingly strained. Fatherless, they live in rural Ireland with their born-again devout Catholic mother, selfishly consumed by her own suffering.
The narrator escapes to the city after secondary school, having been raped at age 13 by her uncle. To say she has confused notions of what is sexually appropriate is an understatement and she finds some sort of solace in drunken promiscuity.
The further demise of her brother's health brings a desire in her to be absolved of sin, but there is no happy ending. Although dark, McBride's unusual novel has a sweet undercurrent in the tender relationship between sister and brother. It deals with themes of family and religion, but in a peculiar literary style.
It is difficult to get used to but cleverly mirrors the narrator's struggle to make sense of her world.
The book is challenging, unique and interesting. Whether it is enjoyable will depend on the reader.
- Rosie Manins is an ODT Dunedin reporter.
