A Keeper: A Novel
From Graham Norton—the BAFTA Award–winning Irish television host and author of the “charming debut novel” (New York Journal of Books) Holding—a masterly and haunting tale of secrets and ill-fated love follows a young woman as she returns to Ireland after her mother’s death and unravels the identity of her father.
When Elizabeth Keane returns to Ireland after her mother’s death, she’s focused only on saying goodbye to that dark and dismal part of her life. Her childhood home is packed solid with useless junk, her mother’s presence already fading. But within this mess, she discovers a small stash of letters—and ultimately, the truth.
Forty years earlier, a young woman stumbles from a remote stone house, the night quiet except for the constant wind that encircles her as she hurries deeper into the darkness away from the cliffs and the sea. She has no sense of where she is going, only that she must keep on.
With wistful and evocative prose, A Keeper is sure to appeal to “fans of sensitive character studies” (Publishers Weekly) and brilliantly illustrates Graham Norton’s clear-eyed understanding of human nature and its darkest flaws.
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From Graham Norton—the BAFTA Award–winning Irish television host and author of the “charming debut novel” (New York Journal of Books) Holding—a masterly and haunting tale of secrets and ill-fated love follows a young woman as she returns to Ireland after her mother’s death and unravels the identity of her father.
When Elizabeth Keane returns to Ireland after her mother’s death, she’s focused only on saying goodbye to that dark and dismal part of her life. Her childhood home is packed solid with useless junk, her mother’s presence already fading. But within this mess, she discovers a small stash of letters—and ultimately, the truth.
Forty years earlier, a young woman stumbles from a remote stone house, the night quiet except for the constant wind that encircles her as she hurries deeper into the darkness away from the cliffs and the sea. She has no sense of where she is going, only that she must keep on.
With wistful and evocative prose, A Keeper is sure to appeal to “fans of sensitive character studies” (Publishers Weekly) and brilliantly illustrates Graham Norton’s clear-eyed understanding of human nature and its darkest flaws.
Kathryn Abbott –
Great story
Having only recently discovered Norton’s novels, I have been reading them in random order at a fast clip. A Keeper is the best so far. A great read that I could barely put down.
Sue A. Riley –
Great writer
Read this book in a day. Writing very good. I love Graham. Storyline was not up my alley but it kept me reading.
Amazon Customer –
Not exactly predictable, but no real twists
This novel is well enough written, and the story is interesting, but, having just finished reading it, I’m realizing that it’s not a particularly memorable book. I doubt that, in six months, I’ll remember having read it. I’ll probably eventually read more by this author, but i have other books that demand my attention first.
Amazon Customer –
Thank you
Thank you book arrives in a timely manner and looked great still need to read it
sharon f. leff –
Secrets, Mysteries, & Discoveries
Told by 2 narrators in different times, a story, a very dark and twisted story is revealed after the discovery of a box of saved letters. And although, a daughter had arrived hoping to ready her inheritance of a house be sold, she discovers she had inherited another property, a property linked somehow to her mother.Suspenseful at times, touching throughout.
JoAnna H. –
Buckle your seat belt, you’re in for a bumpy ride.
I bought the Audio CD version of this book. I loved it. There are six (6) CD’s. There are twists and turns thru out this book, going back and forth from the past to the present. A lot of drama but be prepared for a little comic relief from time to time. The main story line gives you a few gut punches, making you wonder how Patricia will get out of her circumstances. If I have one minor criticism, it is to suggest to the author that, if he happens to have any American characters in future books, he might want to run the dialogue past an American to see if those are words we would actually say. For instance, we don’t “collect” someone, we just go pick ’em up. I recommend the audio cd’s. You are treated to Graham Norton’s different accents. Very enjoyable.
Melanie –
Wonderful Way With Words
Beautifully written, this is a compelling tale with depth to the characters. The author uses interesting and charming phrasing, and there were a few unusual, vivid descriptions that will now (happily) be permanent pictures in my mind. I had hoped to read it during the week, but couldn’t put it down till it was done the first day.
Sascot –
Another great Irish author
How Graham Norton finds the time to write novels is beyond me, given his broadcasting commitments alone, as like any public figure of his stature , heust have numerous other demands to his time. Initially I found the disruption of switching from Now and Then irritating simply because one has to readjust. But once into the structure and flow, it ceases to be an issue because of the relationship to the story. One has to suspect that Elizabeth’s story, whilst fiction, may have deep roots of fact from the difficult and traumatic recent past of Ireland’s social history. Everyone has their place here, but it is ultimately the misguided ideas of Edward’s mother that stands out. Even though she is hardly a character to like, Graham Norton portrays her horrific behaviour brilliantly. For such a naturally clever and witty person, to write a book such as this, which hasn’t a funny sentence in it, Graham Norton can deservedly add to his accomplishments, author.
TC –
Excellent!
Carafarm –
A most enjoyable easy read.A good page turner !
Julian Vertefeuille –
Buona lettura, con molti personaggi e atmosfere ma tutto ben tracciato e lineare. Anche credibile, se questo può contribuire a rendere il tutto più accettabile
susan shepherdson –
This is one of those books that you just want to keep reading straight through to the end, but when life interrupts and you have to put it down for awhile you are still thinking about the characters and their story.The plot is both complex and intriguing and the book is exceptionally well written.The story is sometimes quite sad and sometimes quite scary with a couple of heart stopping moments to scare the bejesus out of you!Read it, you’ll love it!
Annsofi Wiles –
I really liked this book. It is the first one I’ve read by Graham Norton and it was a very pleasant surprise. Interesting and unusual story. An easy and good read! Graham, I’m hooked! I can recommend it and of my friends I’m sure they’ll like it.