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Кафе в балната зала
Тайните не се пазят вечно...
Сестрите Ела и Роберта О’Калахан са отчуждени от стара семейна тайна. Двете живеят в отделни крила на тяхното рушащо се имение. Не са си проговаряли от десетилетия. Общуват помежду си единствено чрез кратки и злобни бележки, оставени в коридора. Пред заплахата от фалит Ела се опитва да спаси дома им, като отваря кафене в балната зала. Напук на възраженията на Роберта.
Докато заведението се радва на успех сред местните жители, сестрите О’Калахан се оказват замесени в скандал, който датира от 60-те години. Ще успеят ли да преодолеят враждата си и да се изправят пред миналото си, за да продължат напред?
Сестрите Ела и Роберта О’Калахан са отчуждени от стара семейна тайна. Двете живеят в отделни крила на тяхното рушащо се имение. Не са си проговаряли от десетилетия. Общуват помежду си единствено чрез кратки и злобни бележки, оставени в коридора. Пред заплахата от фалит Ела се опитва да спаси дома им, като отваря кафене в балната зала. Напук на възраженията на Роберта.
Докато заведението се радва на успех сред местните жители, сестрите О’Калахан се оказват замесени в скандал, който датира от 60-те години. Ще успеят ли да преодолеят враждата си и да се изправят пред миналото си, за да продължат напред?
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2015
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August 22, 2017
Ireland. Rathsorney. And on the outskirts, down Arklow Road, Roscarbury Hall.
The place of history, of safety, of promise. For Peter O'Doherty, the bank manager, the tumbledown house and its occupants was a small, silly aggravation in his busy day. It was a sight to behold. Long neglected. Empty looking: dirty windows covered in thick layers of grime; the wisteria out of control; the brass knocker on the front door covered in decades of blown dust built up, obscured in layers and layers of dried-up paint; the corners of the threshold held clouds of cobwebs with dried leaves stuck in it. The front door was not opened in decades. But for Ella and Roberta O'Callaghan it was their life-giving mainstay.
Chapter 1For decades there were no words. A muteness between the sisters ruled. Bitter, resentful notes to each other graced the tables in their dusty, derelict abode. Silence was inevitable. History: unforgivable, unforgetful, unmentionable.
What did he care about Roscarbury, how the old house folded around them in bad times, how it was the only place where she felt safe? The rooms were so cold in winter you could see your breath, the stairs to the attic creaked like a banshee, and the chill winds rattled the window latches in a din of constant tapping. The parkland dipped and rolled away to the lake, so it was impossible for Sheehy the farmer to get his hay cutter properly across it; the rills silted up every year, long after the cherry blossom flowers had gone dark brown and sodden and the oak and old horse chestnut trees had shed their leaves. Roscarbury existed for the worn days of summer sun, when warm air lingered in the house and the hens had to be hunted from the open back door. It was the starlings gathering and chattering on the wonky television aerial strapped to the first chimney that woke Ella every morning. The crows and pigeons in the fir trees destroyed the stone slabs around the fountain and she had to scrub it down once a month. The overgrown kitchen garden gave fruit for enough tarts through the summer months and luscious pears in a hot spell. Ella could never leave Roscarbury: the mists of the past shrouding the old house webbed around her, keeping her calm.
Weiss brooches, like talismans of memories, clung desperately on to Ella's days. The Weiss jewelers of New York City, twice a year, sent a small parcel with two brooches to Rathsorney post office in Ireland. It was the only way, John O'Callaghan believed, to show his wife how much he loved her.
Ella's favorite brooch of her mother's was the one with nine balls of Montana blue crystals in a simple circle setting. Another one was the aurora borealis stones in a cluster of flowers with big petals made out in brilliant white cabochon stones, with the smaller, delicately colored, sparkling aurora borealis stones peeping through the gaps - oh how young and foolish she was the day she worn it for the first time. The green brooch, which had her mother Bernie O'Callaghan grumbling loudly, was shaped like a pansy flower, colored inky black-green. The dark crystals were shimmering, perfectly outlining the curved petals of the flowers. Her mother did not like it. It should have been purple, or yellow or even all black, but for Ella, it presented the happy times once enjoyed as a child. The brooch with a circle of smoky topaz and dull yellow stones was highlighted with deep orange rhinestones, which radiated, like shafts of sunlight, from a central topaz. Held to the light the orange stones sparkled.
It was not only colorful, sparkling brooches. They were reminders of the light and laughter that got lost through unspeakable tragedies in the two sisters's lives. The brooches announced promises of hope and happiness each day. They were forgotten good times packaged in everlasting stones; they were dream catchers, protectors of everything that was still worth living for, to strive towards, small reminders of what life could be about, despite the past trying to force a black coat of bitterness and resentment over their souls each day. The brooches in their innocent, exquisite beauty, somewhere in the depths of their charm, also told a story of malicious misunderstandings and suicide ...
Then, early one morning, there was a knock on the front door of Roscarbury Hall. Deborah Kading of New York stood there. In one instant in time and place, history becomes multidimensional, lives take on new nuances; colors in memories become hues and highlights of a different intensity ...
Somewhere, between Maeve Binchy and Kate Mortin, a new novelist is making her mark. Ann O'Loughlin debuts with her novel The Ballroom Café and with the well-revered gentleness of the two super wordsmiths before her, presents her historical fictional tale to the world.
The blurb describes the drama the best, so I won't add anything to it. Intrigue and pathos reign in this story of two sisters, Ella and Roberta O'Callaghan, who had to endure their own personal demons, the brutality of illegal adoptions (which were executed by Sister Consuelo of the Order of Divine Sisters, Rahtnew, Co. Wicklow), the battle to save their old country estate from ruin and damnation and themselves from bankruptcy.
All three main elements in the book made me stay with it until the very end. I have a keen interest in these beautiful old 'palaces' of yesteryear becoming part of the ruins of history in the English isles with the over-taxation and impoverished descendants who cannot afford them anymore. There are numerous documentaries available on Youtube presenting this new chapter in British history. A sad one.
A tale of destiny it is. An ode to endurance and survival. A tribute to forgiveness.
A wonderful gentle read.
RECOMMENDED.
August 29, 2015
3.5 stars
Two estranged, elderly sisters, a well-worn period home that is in need of major renovation and a lifetime of secrets. A recipe for historical fiction. But, along with these storylines, there is the added tale of forced and hidden adoption in Ireland going back decades. It may sound like fiction, but unfortunately, it's based on true life.
Author Ann O'Loughlin has written about a formerly-taboo subject; that of the Catholic church supporting the adoption of babies to wealthy American families, without the full consent, or even knowledge in some cases, of the birth mothers. The novel addresses the issue via the story of Debbie, an American who has come to Ireland in the hope of tracing her birth mother. While there, she encounters Ella O'Callaghan and agrees to help her with preparations to open The Ballroom Cafe, in the older woman's home. Ella's sister, Roberta, rattles around the old house with a bottle of sherry in her pocket and a years-old-feud with her sibling. They have not spoken in decades and only communicate via notes left on their hall table. Roberta does not welcome the American visitor, nor support Ella's idea to run a cafe from their old ballroom. The rivalry simmers at boiling point and the locals, who frequent the cafe, are more than delighted to watch the tensions within the household.
Debbie goes on national radio to aide her search for her birth mother, and the whole village listen with anticipation of scandal. Ella is a tower of strength to Debbie, who needs all the support she can get, yet has her own secret hidden inside. Can the women of The Ballroom Cafe really know how much pain each one is in?
This debut novel is extremely sweet, in more ways than one. The characters are drawn with love and compassion, the Ballroom Cafe, and its surroundings, sound idyllic and dream-worthy (the descriptions of baking almost waft off the pages) and the story is one of courage, strength and changing worlds. The writing is gentle and smooth and Ella is such a wonderfully drawn protagonist. There is a little too much emphasis on her collection of brooches, and I'm not sure that younger readers will identify with them, but the way she deals with her difficult sister and nosy neighbours is great. She is a woman that would be a pleasure to know in real life. The spiraling debt of a large country house is very apt in today's financial climate and makes the reader want to rally around to protect these structures from decay.
The treatment of young women in Ireland's past is well documented these days and never pleasant reading, yet should not be ignored. I congratulate Ann on addressing the issue in her fiction debut and hope that it is an issue that will be delved into and dealt with accordingly, giving some peace to the the relatives and descendants of all involved.
A gentle read, with a warm touch, considering the topic.
Two estranged, elderly sisters, a well-worn period home that is in need of major renovation and a lifetime of secrets. A recipe for historical fiction. But, along with these storylines, there is the added tale of forced and hidden adoption in Ireland going back decades. It may sound like fiction, but unfortunately, it's based on true life.
Author Ann O'Loughlin has written about a formerly-taboo subject; that of the Catholic church supporting the adoption of babies to wealthy American families, without the full consent, or even knowledge in some cases, of the birth mothers. The novel addresses the issue via the story of Debbie, an American who has come to Ireland in the hope of tracing her birth mother. While there, she encounters Ella O'Callaghan and agrees to help her with preparations to open The Ballroom Cafe, in the older woman's home. Ella's sister, Roberta, rattles around the old house with a bottle of sherry in her pocket and a years-old-feud with her sibling. They have not spoken in decades and only communicate via notes left on their hall table. Roberta does not welcome the American visitor, nor support Ella's idea to run a cafe from their old ballroom. The rivalry simmers at boiling point and the locals, who frequent the cafe, are more than delighted to watch the tensions within the household.
Debbie goes on national radio to aide her search for her birth mother, and the whole village listen with anticipation of scandal. Ella is a tower of strength to Debbie, who needs all the support she can get, yet has her own secret hidden inside. Can the women of The Ballroom Cafe really know how much pain each one is in?
This debut novel is extremely sweet, in more ways than one. The characters are drawn with love and compassion, the Ballroom Cafe, and its surroundings, sound idyllic and dream-worthy (the descriptions of baking almost waft off the pages) and the story is one of courage, strength and changing worlds. The writing is gentle and smooth and Ella is such a wonderfully drawn protagonist. There is a little too much emphasis on her collection of brooches, and I'm not sure that younger readers will identify with them, but the way she deals with her difficult sister and nosy neighbours is great. She is a woman that would be a pleasure to know in real life. The spiraling debt of a large country house is very apt in today's financial climate and makes the reader want to rally around to protect these structures from decay.
The treatment of young women in Ireland's past is well documented these days and never pleasant reading, yet should not be ignored. I congratulate Ann on addressing the issue in her fiction debut and hope that it is an issue that will be delved into and dealt with accordingly, giving some peace to the the relatives and descendants of all involved.
A gentle read, with a warm touch, considering the topic.
April 4, 2018
Зад привидно лежерното заглавие на тази книга, се крият доста тежки и противоречиви събития.
За голямо съжаление, авторката не успя да ме убеди и да ми въздейства.
Чете се лесно , но е наблегнала на ненужни детайли и дребнотемие, а истински важните
неща , някак са сбутани накрая и разказани между другото.
Определено ще я причисля към книгите с красиви корици , които искаш да имаш, но без нужните качества.
За голямо съжаление, авторката не успя да ме убеди и да ми въздейства.
Чете се лесно , но е наблегнала на ненужни детайли и дребнотемие, а истински важните
неща , някак са сбутани накрая и разказани между другото.
Определено ще я причисля към книгите с красиви корици , които искаш да имаш, но без нужните качества.
November 12, 2020
Family secrets born of tragic loss...
Atmospheric doesn't begin to describe this novel. Imagine. A neglected and dilapidated manor house in County Wicklow, Ireland. The owners are two elderly sisters. They haven't spoken to each other in decades. Though they share the house, they communicate only by terse notes left on the hall table. They do not use each other's provisions. They have one thing in common: they both love Roscarbury Hall and wouldn't live anywhere else.
The sisters' beloved parents, John and Bernie O'Callaghan, died in a tragic accident when the girls were teenagers. Theirs was a marriage of much love and affection. Their father gifted their mother with a Weiss brooch every year on her birthday.
Ella O'Callaghan (our protagonist) is the elder sister. She 'turned to the solace of the kitchen the night her mother and father died'. She married Michael Hannigan and had a daughter who died in 1959, while still an infant. A few months later Michael too was dead...
Ella is the one who takes the majority of responsibility for Roscarbury Hall. It is she who tries to keep the Hall afloat, however times are increasingly hard and the bank is threatening foreclosure. She decides to put her expert baking skills to use and open the ballroom of the Hall as a tearoom/café to generate some much needed funds. Her sister, Roberta is adamantly against this plan.
Roberta O'Callaghan, the younger sister, never married. She has arthritis and hobbles around the old mansion taking constant sips from her flask of sherry which is always with her. Riddled with guilt, she copes by being antagonistic to all she meets.
Debbie Kading, a young American woman, has come to Ireland to search for her birthmother. She comes across the scenic Roscarbury Hall and gets chatting with Ella and her plans for a café. Debbie, though only in Ireland for a short while, agrees to work in the café to help Ella out. Meanwhile, Debbie contacts the local convent to search for her adoption papers. She is met with secrecy, and her efforts are thwarted by the Mother Superior. Terminally ill, and increasingly desperate, Debbie resorts to an appeal on the radio: "I want my mother, if she's out there, to get in touch. I was born on April 15, 1959, and adopted by the Kadings of New York. Sister Consuelo of the Divine Sisters handled the adoption." Her actions set in motion the uncovering of a decades old scandal.
"It is an unfair world."
This is a novel of family secrets, tragic losses, bitterness, blame, betrayal, corrupt adoption practices, a womanizing man and the pain he left behind him. I don't mind admitting I shed a few tears while reading the O'Callaghan sisters' story. Their story was poignant and caused the reader to have empathy for all of the key characters. Loved it!
If I had one gripe with this book is that there are no recipes included for Ella's scrumptious sounding cakes. "The secrets of Roscarbury Hall" is my second selection for "Reading Ireland Month 2018". The author's journalistic experience shows in the quality of this, her debut novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from Skyhorse Publishing via Edelweiss. The book was published in the United Kingdom by Black and White Publishing with a different cover and the title "The Ballroom Café".
Atmospheric doesn't begin to describe this novel. Imagine. A neglected and dilapidated manor house in County Wicklow, Ireland. The owners are two elderly sisters. They haven't spoken to each other in decades. Though they share the house, they communicate only by terse notes left on the hall table. They do not use each other's provisions. They have one thing in common: they both love Roscarbury Hall and wouldn't live anywhere else.
The sisters' beloved parents, John and Bernie O'Callaghan, died in a tragic accident when the girls were teenagers. Theirs was a marriage of much love and affection. Their father gifted their mother with a Weiss brooch every year on her birthday.
Ella O'Callaghan (our protagonist) is the elder sister. She 'turned to the solace of the kitchen the night her mother and father died'. She married Michael Hannigan and had a daughter who died in 1959, while still an infant. A few months later Michael too was dead...
Ella is the one who takes the majority of responsibility for Roscarbury Hall. It is she who tries to keep the Hall afloat, however times are increasingly hard and the bank is threatening foreclosure. She decides to put her expert baking skills to use and open the ballroom of the Hall as a tearoom/café to generate some much needed funds. Her sister, Roberta is adamantly against this plan.
Roberta O'Callaghan, the younger sister, never married. She has arthritis and hobbles around the old mansion taking constant sips from her flask of sherry which is always with her. Riddled with guilt, she copes by being antagonistic to all she meets.
Debbie Kading, a young American woman, has come to Ireland to search for her birthmother. She comes across the scenic Roscarbury Hall and gets chatting with Ella and her plans for a café. Debbie, though only in Ireland for a short while, agrees to work in the café to help Ella out. Meanwhile, Debbie contacts the local convent to search for her adoption papers. She is met with secrecy, and her efforts are thwarted by the Mother Superior. Terminally ill, and increasingly desperate, Debbie resorts to an appeal on the radio: "I want my mother, if she's out there, to get in touch. I was born on April 15, 1959, and adopted by the Kadings of New York. Sister Consuelo of the Divine Sisters handled the adoption." Her actions set in motion the uncovering of a decades old scandal.
"It is an unfair world."
This is a novel of family secrets, tragic losses, bitterness, blame, betrayal, corrupt adoption practices, a womanizing man and the pain he left behind him. I don't mind admitting I shed a few tears while reading the O'Callaghan sisters' story. Their story was poignant and caused the reader to have empathy for all of the key characters. Loved it!
If I had one gripe with this book is that there are no recipes included for Ella's scrumptious sounding cakes. "The secrets of Roscarbury Hall" is my second selection for "Reading Ireland Month 2018". The author's journalistic experience shows in the quality of this, her debut novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from Skyhorse Publishing via Edelweiss. The book was published in the United Kingdom by Black and White Publishing with a different cover and the title "The Ballroom Café".
February 10, 2022
A quaint book about two elderly sisters in Ireland trying to stay in their crumbling old family estate Roscarbury Hall. When a successful tea room Cafe is opened in the ballroom the sisters who have a long standing feud between them are thrust into the limelight and become the talk of the village.
The book starts out a little slow but when the story of the sister’s estrangement unfolds there are some interesting mystery’s involving the whole community to solve.
4 stars read for Senior Bookworms club.
The book starts out a little slow but when the story of the sister’s estrangement unfolds there are some interesting mystery’s involving the whole community to solve.
4 stars read for Senior Bookworms club.
June 23, 2015
If it had been possible to give this book zero stars I would have. Talk about lets jump on the cake shop bandwagon & chuck in a bit of Philomena. The book came across to me as not so much subtle plot twists as someone making it up as they went along & not very successfully as it clunked wearily throughout most cliches/nuns/"orphans", adoption. Characters were not very well drawn, came across as bad then good then bad again. Never heard so much mention of rills that might possibly fill with rain. Load of rubbish, even the cakes didn't make me hungry.
January 24, 2020
A novel filled with both joys and sorrows. I really like how Ann O'Loughlin made the reader care about the characters...how she intertwined Irish history into the story to give us a better of understanding of why things happened as they did. The author just keeps putting twists into the plot so that when you think you are almost at the end...you realize you have a long way to go to unravel the pieces of this puzzle.
June 22, 2017
This is a moving and lovely story of two elderly sisters, Ella and Roberta who live in a run-down Irish mansion and only communicate through notes, having not spoken to each other for decades. Ella has no alternative but to open their home to the public as a cafe to try to raise money as the bank are threatening to take their home away.
Throughout the book we learn the secrets of the sisters, the tragedies that have affected the O'Callaghan family and why the sisters don't speak to each other. It is however the stories about the forced adoptions and the scandal involving the Catholic Church which makes this book stand out from the usual contemporary novels. Based on true stories, my heart broke reading the pain and anguish these young women endured having their babies taken away from them and given to wealthy Americans.
The Ballroom Cafe is an emotional and beautiful story of families, secrets, guilt, love and a lovely cup of tea. Highly recommend.
All my reviews can be read at www.compulsivereaders.com
Throughout the book we learn the secrets of the sisters, the tragedies that have affected the O'Callaghan family and why the sisters don't speak to each other. It is however the stories about the forced adoptions and the scandal involving the Catholic Church which makes this book stand out from the usual contemporary novels. Based on true stories, my heart broke reading the pain and anguish these young women endured having their babies taken away from them and given to wealthy Americans.
The Ballroom Cafe is an emotional and beautiful story of families, secrets, guilt, love and a lovely cup of tea. Highly recommend.
All my reviews can be read at www.compulsivereaders.com
February 9, 2022
This novel takes place in Ireland in 2011 with flashbacks into the past. It is a lovely story of two elderly sisters, Ella and Roberta who live in their family mansion that has been allowed to become run down and a young woman from US who has come to Ireland in search of her mother. The two sisters only communicate via notes because of a tragic incident that happened years earlier. I won't spoil it by revealing why they haven't spoken or if they ever do. You will have to read it for yourself to find out more about these three characters and others as well.
September 10, 2015
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2015/0...
When I took part in the blog tour for The Ballroom Cafe, Ann had written a guest post and shared a personal story about Weiss vintage brooches. Having read the novel, those key moments when Ella unwraps different brooches are poignant and full of meaning.
The cafe at Roscarbury Hall is a place of gossip for the local women in the community. Despite the negativity on the surface, when it's needed, the support is there for Ella and Debbie. Ella knows just how to deal with the gossip and I have to say I identified with her from the beginning. I loved her no-nonsense attitude. She has strength and purpose and is the first person to offer empathy (although underneath that facade she needs support herself). I found it easy to become emotionally attached to her as her own story is revealed to the reader.
Debbie's quest itself is something that happened to many and reminds me of Philomena Lee's search. We're taken back to Debbie's own childhood to get a glimpse into how it was for her growing up with the Kaden's in the US. I didn't feel a connection to her as I felt I didn't get to know her very well. I empathised with what had happened and was happening but only because of how it affected Ella.
What can I say about Roberta? Self-obsessed in the past and showing the reader she still is now from her reminiscences. In my opinion she shows no remorse throughout the novel. She's lucky Ella gave her a roof over her head. The one thing to take from her character is a reminder that those choices we make in life can sometimes never lead us back to where we should be.
The Ballroom Cafe is a thought provoking and poignant read. It's a story that gives a sense of community, not only in the cafe but when the news breaks and there is a time of waiting for an outcome. There is a link that I didn't predict and made me reflect on a particular relationship. The information the reader needs to piece together why the sister's are estranged is paced just right to keep you turning those pages. The pace of the plot as a whole is gentle and reflects the setting and offsets the issues.
I would like to thank the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
When I took part in the blog tour for The Ballroom Cafe, Ann had written a guest post and shared a personal story about Weiss vintage brooches. Having read the novel, those key moments when Ella unwraps different brooches are poignant and full of meaning.
The cafe at Roscarbury Hall is a place of gossip for the local women in the community. Despite the negativity on the surface, when it's needed, the support is there for Ella and Debbie. Ella knows just how to deal with the gossip and I have to say I identified with her from the beginning. I loved her no-nonsense attitude. She has strength and purpose and is the first person to offer empathy (although underneath that facade she needs support herself). I found it easy to become emotionally attached to her as her own story is revealed to the reader.
Debbie's quest itself is something that happened to many and reminds me of Philomena Lee's search. We're taken back to Debbie's own childhood to get a glimpse into how it was for her growing up with the Kaden's in the US. I didn't feel a connection to her as I felt I didn't get to know her very well. I empathised with what had happened and was happening but only because of how it affected Ella.
What can I say about Roberta? Self-obsessed in the past and showing the reader she still is now from her reminiscences. In my opinion she shows no remorse throughout the novel. She's lucky Ella gave her a roof over her head. The one thing to take from her character is a reminder that those choices we make in life can sometimes never lead us back to where we should be.
The Ballroom Cafe is a thought provoking and poignant read. It's a story that gives a sense of community, not only in the cafe but when the news breaks and there is a time of waiting for an outcome. There is a link that I didn't predict and made me reflect on a particular relationship. The information the reader needs to piece together why the sister's are estranged is paced just right to keep you turning those pages. The pace of the plot as a whole is gentle and reflects the setting and offsets the issues.
I would like to thank the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2015
Notes, secrets and sisters combine to make The Ballroom Cafe one of the best reads for me this year. Once started I could not put Ann O'Loughlin's book down.
The blurb tells you everything you need to know about this absorbing tale so I have little to add about the story, but I will say that a web of intrique is woven within this novel and every page is written with such brilliance that I read it in one sitting. My life was on hold for the day.
This tragic and profound read is both emotional and captivating.
Based on a true story, the horror of what happened to Ella and many women like her in Ireland at the time, is written with gentleness and Ann O'Loughlin cleverly portrays the feelings of all involved, even those who are at fault. More than once I felt the reality of what it was I was reading.
The Ballroom Cafe will enthrall and delight it's reader and is one I highly recommend.... Now where can I buy a pretty broach??
The blurb tells you everything you need to know about this absorbing tale so I have little to add about the story, but I will say that a web of intrique is woven within this novel and every page is written with such brilliance that I read it in one sitting. My life was on hold for the day.
This tragic and profound read is both emotional and captivating.
Based on a true story, the horror of what happened to Ella and many women like her in Ireland at the time, is written with gentleness and Ann O'Loughlin cleverly portrays the feelings of all involved, even those who are at fault. More than once I felt the reality of what it was I was reading.
The Ballroom Cafe will enthrall and delight it's reader and is one I highly recommend.... Now where can I buy a pretty broach??
March 2, 2018
The Secrets of Roscarbury Hall is historical fiction based on the scandal that rocked Ireland and the Catholic church. Debbie is an American who finds out too late that she was adopted from Ireland...little does she know that her quest to find her birth mother would create a whirlwind of investigations, heartbreaks, frenzy and the growth of a beautiful friendship. Ella has lived in Roscarbury Hall all her life and now it's just her and her sister, Roberta--neither has spoken to the other for decades! On the brink of losing the hall, Ella opens a cafe and her heart. O'Loughlin creates a novel with deep characters and vivid descriptors. The reader can envision the village of Roscarbury and all its characters. Reminiscent of "Philomena," you will be captivated both by the writing and the storylines. Beautiful tale of the strength in humanity and the bonds that connect even those who pull away.
February 21, 2016
Life in all its shades
The story deals with complex and heart rending issues. The writing flows well, the characters believable. Although I could imagine myself in Roscarberry Hall and gardens I didn't understand how so many villagers would visit so regularly. I also don't understand why I wasn't more moved by the emotional dramas, I see that some reviewers said they wept, there is plenty to weep about and I wonder if some of that directness was lost for me because I was listening on audio.
Very good for a first book. I would read another from this author.
The story deals with complex and heart rending issues. The writing flows well, the characters believable. Although I could imagine myself in Roscarberry Hall and gardens I didn't understand how so many villagers would visit so regularly. I also don't understand why I wasn't more moved by the emotional dramas, I see that some reviewers said they wept, there is plenty to weep about and I wonder if some of that directness was lost for me because I was listening on audio.
Very good for a first book. I would read another from this author.
June 8, 2015
This was an okay read, pleasant, a story that kept me turning pages, though it didn't set me alight. Sometimes though, that's exactly what you need, and this did it for me. I'd call it a beach read - or a good one for when you can't sleep - don't mean it puts you to sleep, I mean it is good for not giving you nightmares. So it does what it says on the tin really. And it was a Kindle bargain too.
June 7, 2017
I enjoyed reading this for the most part, but its not a book I would choose to re-read. Some of the events are very disturbing and I was left feeling profoundly sad at the end. However, this is a powerful story, if you don't mind dark themes.
December 30, 2019
Roscarbury Hall is een vervallen landhuis in Ierland. Het wordt bewoond door de zussen Ella en Roberta die alleen nog met elkaar praten via briefjes. Als Ella besluit een theesalon te openen in de oude balzaal, waar Roberta uiteraard tegen is, neemt ze de Amerikaanse Debbie in dienst. Debbie is geadopteerd vanuit het naburige klooster en nu ze ernstig ziek is, komt ze er terug om haar afkomst te achterhalen. Bovendien heeft ze geen leuke jeugd gehad omdat haar moeder Agnes niet van haar hield en op een dag verdween. Zelf is Ella weduwe: ze is haar man en kind jaren terug verloren. Er volgt een roman vol familiegeheimen.
Het boek is vlot geschreven en heeft door het thema adoptie nog enige diepgang. De personages zijn alleen plat en vooral de zussen gaan je op een gegeven moment op de zenuwen werken.
Het boek is vlot geschreven en heeft door het thema adoptie nog enige diepgang. De personages zijn alleen plat en vooral de zussen gaan je op een gegeven moment op de zenuwen werken.
February 8, 2022
Characters - 3
Theme - 2
Plot - 3
Writing Style - 2
Ending - 4
Average 3
I read this as a buddy read on a book group and I wanted to really like it. Unfortunately it fell short of my expectations.
The book in general had very good bones but the character development was slow and confusing. It tended to jump around and instead of concentrating on the important issue in the book, it spent a lot of time discussing two sisters who were not speaking. I felt that time spent that way could have been put to much better use.
Theme - 2
Plot - 3
Writing Style - 2
Ending - 4
Average 3
I read this as a buddy read on a book group and I wanted to really like it. Unfortunately it fell short of my expectations.
The book in general had very good bones but the character development was slow and confusing. It tended to jump around and instead of concentrating on the important issue in the book, it spent a lot of time discussing two sisters who were not speaking. I felt that time spent that way could have been put to much better use.
September 6, 2018
Големите тайни, съсипват животи. Хареса ми книжката. За първи път чета тази авторка.
September 3, 2019
This is reminiscent of a Maeve Binchey book
August 22, 2018
Good subject that would have profited getting more into depth with. Good chick lit, but had potential to be more.
June 19, 2015
When I read the synopsis to this book, I have immediately thought that I must read it. It sounded like absolutely my cup of tea, and it is touching upon a subject matter that is incredibly gentle and is also a taboo subject, and I really wanted to see how the author is going to tackle it, especially when we think that it's based on true facts, that such things took place for real.
There are many secrets in this book, and each one of them more shocking or sad than the other one, and mostly I haven't expected them at all and I didn't know what is coming next, and how many more secrets are there to be revealed. They were mostly of a heartbreaking, and sometimes also horrifying, nature, and all the feelings and emotions accompanying first - the fact of stealing the babies (I think we can call it like this?), telling lies and then -discovering the truth, were really well captured. You could feel the pain, hurt and despair of those involved.
The characters were interesting, and their pain and insecurity were really palpable through the pages. I have felt for Debbie, more and more, as I read about her life, and I felt so sorry for her childhood, for her being so treated by her mother, and for her not being able to enjoy her life and live long and happily. Some people have it all, and Debbie had nothing in fact - she didn't have a loving family, happy childhood, perspectives, health. I admired her determination in wanting to find the truth before it was too late but again, she was not the most outstanding and unforgettable character that I came across in my books.
My relationship with the two sisters, Ella and Roberta, was a rocky one, because once I had more sympathy with Ella, and the next second with Roberta, having read about their stories. I really don't know which sister was wrong and which one was right, it was really a turbulent sisterhood those two were leading, but one is for certain: they were both a stubborn ladies. As the sad secrets were coming out and out, I was really interested to see if those two have ever a chance to communicate again other than writing short notes to each other.
Personally, I found the bits and scenes with the nuns the most interesting, and they added a lot of so much needed colour to the story, especially Consuelo, who - I don't know - was she so blinded? So brain - stormed? Didn't she really see what she's done? My opinion about her changed very quickly, but at first I though she is this poor, not appreciated one, but soon I just couldn't believe what she says and how she behaves.
Nevertheless, as much as the subject matter of the book was really very interesting, I found this book a little flat, and very slow, and sometimes I had a feeling that the author added a scene or two, character or two, dialogue here or there, just because she run out of the ideas, didn't know how to continue. Because of this, and because of the slow pace, I was not as moved as I would expect it to. Really all of the questions were answered, every single secret was revealed and all the threads were neatly wrapped up at the end, yet I didn't fell for the book as much as I though I will, and I feel really sorry for this. It was a normal read that didn't so much capture my attention or had me constantly glued to the pages.
It was a book with incredible potential to it, as just imagine those feelings of horror the women have felt at what happened to them in Ireland in those times, and the feeling of desperation Debbie and many others have felt. It was written in a very gentle, nice style, adjusted in tone to the seriousness of the plot, and the author tried to ease the tone from time to time adding some scenes that were a little lighter and relaxed. Nevertheless, the story felt a little weak and a little flat, the pace was too slow for my liking and I missed some more depth to it. But despite having said this, I liked this book and will be for sure looking for more from Ann O'Loughlin.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
February 3, 2017
MEINE MEINUNG ZUM BUCH:
Farblich ist das Cover einfach nur sehr frühlingshaft und wirkt sehr warm. Mir gefallen die Farben sehr und irgendwie ist es so schön, dass ich mich daran einfach nicht satt sehen kann. Auch der leicht schnörkelige Schriftzug passt einfach so schön darauf, dass es rundum ein sehr gelungenes Cover, in meinen Augen, ist. Es harmoniert alles zusammen so toll, dass es erst gar nicht wild sondern ruhig und beruhigend wirkt.
Die Kapitellänge war stets sehr gut. Durch die schöne Aufteilung ging kein Detail verloren und wirkte beim lesen auch nicht anstrengend sondern sehr angenehm.In jedem Kapitel steckt ein Stück Liebe zum Detail und das hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Es ist nicht alles in ein Kapitel gequetscht worden sondern die Autorin hat immer in jedem Kapitel etwas kleines versteckt gehabt was sehr gut ankam bei mir.
Der Schreibstil von Ann O'Loughlin ist sehr einfühlsam, liebevoll und flüssig. Durch diesen einzigartigen und tollen Schreibstil kam ich auch sehr schnell in die Geschichte rein und wurde direkt mit dieser warm ohne das ich mich schwer tat mich hineinzuversetzen. Für mich war es reinstes Lesevergnügen.
Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, was ich zu den Charakteren sagen soll. Ella war mir sofort sympathisch und hat im Sturm mein Herz erobert und Roberta, ihre Schwester, war erstmal sehr abschreckend für mich und ich musste mich erst an ihre außergewöhnliche Art gewöhnen aber als ich das tat, wurde sie immer lockerer und ich kam auch mit ihr zurecht. Ella aber war so herzlich und voller Energie, dass sie einfach sofort sympathisch wirkte und sich das auch im Buch gehalten hat. Auch die Nebencharaktere tauchten auf und hatten sofort was zu melden, was ich sehr schön fand.
Die Geschichte und der Handlungsstrang im Buch waren für mich durchgehend nachvollziehbar und ich konnte mich stes in die Charaktere und deren Welt hineinversetzen. Es war wie ein großes Abenteuer welches ich in Roscarbury Hall verbracht hatte und ich konnte mir das Haus einfach so schön vorstellen und wie sie das Café eingerichtet haben ebenfalls. Vor allem war die Geschichte rund um das Roscarbury Hall sehr facettenreich und glänzte einfach nach dem Feinschliff der Geschwister.
MEIN FAZIT ZUM BUCH:
Mit "Das Café in Roscarbury Hall" ist der Autorin Ann O'Loughlin eine durchaus interessante Familiensaga gelungen, die zum träumen einlädt. Nicht zuletzt der schöne Schreibstil konnte mich ans Buch fesseln sondern auch das Gesamtbild nach dem lesen prägte sich sehr in meinen Kopf ein. Aus diesem Grund gebe ich dem Buch volle 5 von 5 Diamanten.
Farblich ist das Cover einfach nur sehr frühlingshaft und wirkt sehr warm. Mir gefallen die Farben sehr und irgendwie ist es so schön, dass ich mich daran einfach nicht satt sehen kann. Auch der leicht schnörkelige Schriftzug passt einfach so schön darauf, dass es rundum ein sehr gelungenes Cover, in meinen Augen, ist. Es harmoniert alles zusammen so toll, dass es erst gar nicht wild sondern ruhig und beruhigend wirkt.
Die Kapitellänge war stets sehr gut. Durch die schöne Aufteilung ging kein Detail verloren und wirkte beim lesen auch nicht anstrengend sondern sehr angenehm.In jedem Kapitel steckt ein Stück Liebe zum Detail und das hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Es ist nicht alles in ein Kapitel gequetscht worden sondern die Autorin hat immer in jedem Kapitel etwas kleines versteckt gehabt was sehr gut ankam bei mir.
Der Schreibstil von Ann O'Loughlin ist sehr einfühlsam, liebevoll und flüssig. Durch diesen einzigartigen und tollen Schreibstil kam ich auch sehr schnell in die Geschichte rein und wurde direkt mit dieser warm ohne das ich mich schwer tat mich hineinzuversetzen. Für mich war es reinstes Lesevergnügen.
Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, was ich zu den Charakteren sagen soll. Ella war mir sofort sympathisch und hat im Sturm mein Herz erobert und Roberta, ihre Schwester, war erstmal sehr abschreckend für mich und ich musste mich erst an ihre außergewöhnliche Art gewöhnen aber als ich das tat, wurde sie immer lockerer und ich kam auch mit ihr zurecht. Ella aber war so herzlich und voller Energie, dass sie einfach sofort sympathisch wirkte und sich das auch im Buch gehalten hat. Auch die Nebencharaktere tauchten auf und hatten sofort was zu melden, was ich sehr schön fand.
Die Geschichte und der Handlungsstrang im Buch waren für mich durchgehend nachvollziehbar und ich konnte mich stes in die Charaktere und deren Welt hineinversetzen. Es war wie ein großes Abenteuer welches ich in Roscarbury Hall verbracht hatte und ich konnte mir das Haus einfach so schön vorstellen und wie sie das Café eingerichtet haben ebenfalls. Vor allem war die Geschichte rund um das Roscarbury Hall sehr facettenreich und glänzte einfach nach dem Feinschliff der Geschwister.
MEIN FAZIT ZUM BUCH:
Mit "Das Café in Roscarbury Hall" ist der Autorin Ann O'Loughlin eine durchaus interessante Familiensaga gelungen, die zum träumen einlädt. Nicht zuletzt der schöne Schreibstil konnte mich ans Buch fesseln sondern auch das Gesamtbild nach dem lesen prägte sich sehr in meinen Kopf ein. Aus diesem Grund gebe ich dem Buch volle 5 von 5 Diamanten.
July 26, 2015
I adored The Ballroom Café which is a very touching story and will no doubt touch the hearts of many people across the world (and not just those with Irish connections) as it features the uncovering of an Irish adoption scandal.
It brings to mind Philomena and the scandal which has shocked people in recent years. However, at the same time this book is not really comparable to to Philomena; The Ballroom Café is so much more than just a story about adoption; it is a thought-provoking story of community, of love and loss, of hope and of friendship. I loved that the backdrop was based on true events, and you can read more about the Irish adoption scandal below.
I immediately felt like I belonged in this story which is set in County Wicklow, Ireland. Whilst heavily tinged with tragedy, there is a really light and buoyancy that radiates from this book. The characters are fabulous, whether that be the main characters or the supporting cast. I loved the relationship between the two sisters and the way they communicated only by short terse notes having not spoken for decades and I loved the way the various characters really touched each others lived.
The story is both intriguing and captivating. I was totally hooked and when the ending came, it was satisfying but there were some loose ends that left me craving more. My one and only complaint would be that the ending felt a little bit rushed, as though the editing sword had fallen a little to harshly in places. I wanted to bask in the ending and I wanted to know more.
I loved Ann O'Loughlin's style of writing, the words and chapters flowed perfectly which keeps you turning the pages and the characters are all excellently drawn to create the perfect story. I was shocked to discover that The Ballroom Café is Ann's debut book, as it feels like something from an extremely accomplished author; Ann's years of journalism and writing clearly shine through.
It brings to mind Philomena and the scandal which has shocked people in recent years. However, at the same time this book is not really comparable to to Philomena; The Ballroom Café is so much more than just a story about adoption; it is a thought-provoking story of community, of love and loss, of hope and of friendship. I loved that the backdrop was based on true events, and you can read more about the Irish adoption scandal below.
I immediately felt like I belonged in this story which is set in County Wicklow, Ireland. Whilst heavily tinged with tragedy, there is a really light and buoyancy that radiates from this book. The characters are fabulous, whether that be the main characters or the supporting cast. I loved the relationship between the two sisters and the way they communicated only by short terse notes having not spoken for decades and I loved the way the various characters really touched each others lived.
The story is both intriguing and captivating. I was totally hooked and when the ending came, it was satisfying but there were some loose ends that left me craving more. My one and only complaint would be that the ending felt a little bit rushed, as though the editing sword had fallen a little to harshly in places. I wanted to bask in the ending and I wanted to know more.
I loved Ann O'Loughlin's style of writing, the words and chapters flowed perfectly which keeps you turning the pages and the characters are all excellently drawn to create the perfect story. I was shocked to discover that The Ballroom Café is Ann's debut book, as it feels like something from an extremely accomplished author; Ann's years of journalism and writing clearly shine through.
August 16, 2015
This book wasn't anywhere near as elegant and rich a story as I was hoping for. It could've been though. The ingredients (plot and characters) were there and a talented writer like Rachel Hore could've delivered something much better with these elements. But the writing style of Ann O'Loughlin and her stilted dialogue - especially the way Ella speaks - was annoying. However it's stark simplicity made for quick reading over the course of a weekend. The only unique and interesting element for me was the descriptions of the Weiss brooches threaded through the story. Maybe the author should've tried a "Chocolat" track and given time over to sumptuous descriptions of the cakes to try and give this book some level of genuine pleasure and richness as a read. Would I describe this as a "good read"? The answer is no. But neither is it a bad one. And for a 99p daily Kindle deal I can't complain.
July 20, 2015
The Ballroom Cafe is not my usual kind of book, however needing something lighter to read I decided to give it a go.
I did like the storyline, and found the main characters likeable enough, however I felt that at the end of the book I still didn't really know any of them. Also, the dialogue felt very stilted in places, and was not written in a way that people actually speak.
All in all, an easy read with a interesting plot, nothing extraordinary.
I did like the storyline, and found the main characters likeable enough, however I felt that at the end of the book I still didn't really know any of them. Also, the dialogue felt very stilted in places, and was not written in a way that people actually speak.
All in all, an easy read with a interesting plot, nothing extraordinary.
August 23, 2016
It's not that this book was bad or poorly written, I think it was just trying to do too much. The one jarring relationship in the book was that of the two sisters Ella and Roberta. I won't spoil things by revealing why they haven't spoken for decades but I do not see how they could have continued to live under the same roof. I think the story would have been much better served with a winnowing of the subplots.
September 11, 2015
Had this book recommended to me by a friend and I thoroughly loved it. Such a delicate story line with a few twists thrown in for good measure. I can definitely recommend this book.
June 4, 2017
3--3.5 somewhere in there. Kept me interested, but , something was missing. Glad I read it, would recommend it. Love a good Irish , 2 spinster sisters, secret!!
September 13, 2019
The Secrets of Roscarbury Hall: A Novel is by Ann O’Loughlin. This novel takes place in Ireland in the present with backflashes into the past. It actually begins a little slow and it takes a while to get into the rhythm of the story. At first, it seems disjointed but as you read, you see that all the parts fit well into the story. The story is well-written and does not leave itself open to world censure. The secrets that are held within the walls of the Hall and the inhabitants are those that could destroy a less strong person than those who are left.
Ella O’Callaghan is trying her best to find some money to keep from having to sell her home. She and her sister, Roberta, have lived in this house all of their lives. There was no place to go now so something had to be done. The only thing Ella could think of was to open a tea room in the home. She decided this and set out to do it with only her cousin Iris to help. Roberta was definitely against the idea. She had stated her opinion very emphatically in the note she wrote her sister. The sisters hadn’t spoken to each other in years, they communicated by terse notes. The first week it was open, Debbie Kading , showed up early to sample the menu. Ella thought she had come for a job and cajoled her into helping her set up for the influx of customers since her helper had quit that morning. Debbie set up the tables as Ella directed and when all was in order, Ella treated her to cake and tea. When the women started showing up, Debbie left. However, she was to come back and help expand the tea room to the ballroom upstairs and into the garden even though her visit would be short.
Debbie was looking for her birth mother. She had traced her adoption back to the convent nearby; but according to their records, she hadn’t been born there. Her trail ended. She was persistent in asking for their help and wanted to speak to Sister Consuelo who had written a letter to her parents thanking them for adopting the little girl and thanking them for their donation. She had found the note when she was going through things in the attic when her Father died. Through Ella, Debbie met someone who helped her get in interview on the local radio. She promoted Ella’s tea room and then told her audience why she was here in Ireland and the roadblocks she was getting from the Church. This caused an investigation and found the convent had sent children to be adopted while telling their mothers that they had died at birth! Keeping in mind the mothers were for the most part underage, unmarried girls whose families were ashamed of them plus the overwhelming shame of having unwed mothers having babies of the time, this seemed to those involved to be a blessing for the young mothers. Now they could go unhindered and have full and happy lives.
However, this opens a lot of questions for other women who had babies at the convent hospital at the time. Did their babies die too? The uproar had definite consequences for those in charge of the convent now who had nothing to do with the operations a long time ago.
Meanwhile, having Debbie in their home was opening some questions that had been pushed under the rug for years by Ella and her sister. That and the rumors started by Ella’s former sister-in-law that Ella had been cheating on her soldier husband during the war brought back the pain of Ella’s daughter drowning and her husband committing suicide. All the pain of those years was brought to the foreground while Ella is working as hard as possible to keep her house.
The author just keeps putting twists into the plot so that when you think you are almost at the end, you realize you have a long way to go to unravel the pieces of this puzzle.
Ella O’Callaghan is trying her best to find some money to keep from having to sell her home. She and her sister, Roberta, have lived in this house all of their lives. There was no place to go now so something had to be done. The only thing Ella could think of was to open a tea room in the home. She decided this and set out to do it with only her cousin Iris to help. Roberta was definitely against the idea. She had stated her opinion very emphatically in the note she wrote her sister. The sisters hadn’t spoken to each other in years, they communicated by terse notes. The first week it was open, Debbie Kading , showed up early to sample the menu. Ella thought she had come for a job and cajoled her into helping her set up for the influx of customers since her helper had quit that morning. Debbie set up the tables as Ella directed and when all was in order, Ella treated her to cake and tea. When the women started showing up, Debbie left. However, she was to come back and help expand the tea room to the ballroom upstairs and into the garden even though her visit would be short.
Debbie was looking for her birth mother. She had traced her adoption back to the convent nearby; but according to their records, she hadn’t been born there. Her trail ended. She was persistent in asking for their help and wanted to speak to Sister Consuelo who had written a letter to her parents thanking them for adopting the little girl and thanking them for their donation. She had found the note when she was going through things in the attic when her Father died. Through Ella, Debbie met someone who helped her get in interview on the local radio. She promoted Ella’s tea room and then told her audience why she was here in Ireland and the roadblocks she was getting from the Church. This caused an investigation and found the convent had sent children to be adopted while telling their mothers that they had died at birth! Keeping in mind the mothers were for the most part underage, unmarried girls whose families were ashamed of them plus the overwhelming shame of having unwed mothers having babies of the time, this seemed to those involved to be a blessing for the young mothers. Now they could go unhindered and have full and happy lives.
However, this opens a lot of questions for other women who had babies at the convent hospital at the time. Did their babies die too? The uproar had definite consequences for those in charge of the convent now who had nothing to do with the operations a long time ago.
Meanwhile, having Debbie in their home was opening some questions that had been pushed under the rug for years by Ella and her sister. That and the rumors started by Ella’s former sister-in-law that Ella had been cheating on her soldier husband during the war brought back the pain of Ella’s daughter drowning and her husband committing suicide. All the pain of those years was brought to the foreground while Ella is working as hard as possible to keep her house.
The author just keeps putting twists into the plot so that when you think you are almost at the end, you realize you have a long way to go to unravel the pieces of this puzzle.
February 12, 2018
Die Frauen, von denen die irische Journalistin und Autorin Ann O’Loughlin in Das Café in Roscarbury Hall erzählt, sind für Frauenromane typische Charaktere: Ella und Roberta, zwei unversöhnlich zerstrittene Schwestern, die sich in einem heruntergekommenen Herrenhaus gegenseitig das Leben schwer machen, Debbie, eine Krebskranke auf der Suche nach ihrer leiblichen Mutter, Agnes, eine herrschsüchtige Pedantin mit einem ihr treu ergebenen Ehemann, Mary, ein von einem verheirateten Mann verführtes junges Mädchen, Muriel, eine neugierige Tratschtante, sowie Schwester Consuelo und Mutter Asumpta, bigotte Nonnen, denen der Ruf ihres Ordens wichtiger ist als alles andere. Dazu ereignen sich ziemlich viele Tragöden, mit anderen Worten, es wird ziemlich dick aufgetragen. Dass mich der Roman trotzdem vom ersten Kapitel an berührt hat, lässt sich einfach erklären: er ist einfühlsam aber ohne Schnörkel erzählt, und die Schicksale der Frauen im Buch sind keine unrealistischen Seifenopern, sie basieren auf historischen Tatsachen.
In der Republik Irland, wo die katholische Kirche auch heute noch mehr Einfluss hat als in den meisten anderen europäischen Ländern, wurden bis in die 1980er-Jahre nicht wenige unverheiratete schwangere Mädchen in kirchliche Institutionen, die sogenannten „Magdalen Laundries“ verfrachtet, wo sie durch schwere körperliche Arbeit für ihre „Sünden“ bestraft und wieder auf den rechten Weg gebracht werden sollten. Oft wurden sie von ihren Babys getrennt und diese gegen Geld an wohlhabende katholische Adoptiveltern in den USA vermittelt. Wenn die Mütter oder auch die adoptierten Kinder Jahrzehnte später Nachforschungen anstellten, um einander wiederzufinden, erhielten sie keine oder falsche Auskünfte zu den Geschehnissen.
Wer sich für dieses Thema interessiert, dem möchte ich auch den 2013 gedrehten Film Philomena empfehlen. Er erzählt die wahre Geschichte der Irin Philomena Lee, gespielt von Judi Dench, die viele Jahrzehnte damit verbrachte, ihren 1952 geborenen und im Alter von 3 Jahren von Nonnen in die USA verkauften Sohn Anthony zu suchen. Mit Hilfe eines Journalisten gelingt es ihr schließlich gegen alle Widerstände, herauszufinden, was aus ihm geworden ist: als Michael Anthony Hess brachte er es bis zum Berater von US-Präsent Ronald Reagan und starb 1995 an Aids.
Meine Meinung: Das Café in Roscarbury Hall erzählt eine berührende Geschichte, die zwar verdichtet, aber trotzdem glaubwürdig ist. Die Lebensgeschichten der handelnden Personen sind von Geheimnissen und persönlichen Dramen geprägt, aber wenn man sich vorstellt, was es für eine Mutter und ihr Kind bedeutet, wenn man sie trennt und beiden erzählt, der jeweils andere wäre tot, werden alle diese Dramen plausibel. Gleichzeitig sind die Charaktere liebevoll gezeichnet, die Autorin beschreibt, wie sie mit ihrem Schicksal und ihren Problemen umgehen und diese bewältigen. Das beschauliche Leben in der kleinen Gemeinde in County Wicklow, Irland, wo sich das Café in Roscarbury Hall befindet, wirkt wie ein Weichzeichner und sorgt dafür, dass die Geschichte nicht eine düstere Studie psychischer Abgründe, sondern ein leicht verdaulicher ChickLit-Roman wird. Das Café in Roscarbury Hall war mein erster, aber sicher nicht mein letzter Roman von dieser Autorin. Mir gefällt es, wenn Unterhaltungsromane auch gesellschaftskritisch sind. Wie seht ihr das?
In der Republik Irland, wo die katholische Kirche auch heute noch mehr Einfluss hat als in den meisten anderen europäischen Ländern, wurden bis in die 1980er-Jahre nicht wenige unverheiratete schwangere Mädchen in kirchliche Institutionen, die sogenannten „Magdalen Laundries“ verfrachtet, wo sie durch schwere körperliche Arbeit für ihre „Sünden“ bestraft und wieder auf den rechten Weg gebracht werden sollten. Oft wurden sie von ihren Babys getrennt und diese gegen Geld an wohlhabende katholische Adoptiveltern in den USA vermittelt. Wenn die Mütter oder auch die adoptierten Kinder Jahrzehnte später Nachforschungen anstellten, um einander wiederzufinden, erhielten sie keine oder falsche Auskünfte zu den Geschehnissen.
Wer sich für dieses Thema interessiert, dem möchte ich auch den 2013 gedrehten Film Philomena empfehlen. Er erzählt die wahre Geschichte der Irin Philomena Lee, gespielt von Judi Dench, die viele Jahrzehnte damit verbrachte, ihren 1952 geborenen und im Alter von 3 Jahren von Nonnen in die USA verkauften Sohn Anthony zu suchen. Mit Hilfe eines Journalisten gelingt es ihr schließlich gegen alle Widerstände, herauszufinden, was aus ihm geworden ist: als Michael Anthony Hess brachte er es bis zum Berater von US-Präsent Ronald Reagan und starb 1995 an Aids.
Meine Meinung: Das Café in Roscarbury Hall erzählt eine berührende Geschichte, die zwar verdichtet, aber trotzdem glaubwürdig ist. Die Lebensgeschichten der handelnden Personen sind von Geheimnissen und persönlichen Dramen geprägt, aber wenn man sich vorstellt, was es für eine Mutter und ihr Kind bedeutet, wenn man sie trennt und beiden erzählt, der jeweils andere wäre tot, werden alle diese Dramen plausibel. Gleichzeitig sind die Charaktere liebevoll gezeichnet, die Autorin beschreibt, wie sie mit ihrem Schicksal und ihren Problemen umgehen und diese bewältigen. Das beschauliche Leben in der kleinen Gemeinde in County Wicklow, Irland, wo sich das Café in Roscarbury Hall befindet, wirkt wie ein Weichzeichner und sorgt dafür, dass die Geschichte nicht eine düstere Studie psychischer Abgründe, sondern ein leicht verdaulicher ChickLit-Roman wird. Das Café in Roscarbury Hall war mein erster, aber sicher nicht mein letzter Roman von dieser Autorin. Mir gefällt es, wenn Unterhaltungsromane auch gesellschaftskritisch sind. Wie seht ihr das?
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