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TL;DR: In the early 1950s, Eilis Lacey leaves her small town in Ireland to start a new life in Brooklyn. She works in a department store and falls in love with an Italian American, Tony. Then a death calls her back home, and she must choose between two lives.
Table of Contents
Brooklyn at a Glance
| Author | Colm Toibin |
| First published | 2009 |
| Type | Literary fiction |
| Best for | readers who like quiet, emotional novels about emigration |
Brooklyn is a novel by Colm Toibin, first published in 2009. The novel was adapted into a 2015 film. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Enniscorthy
Eilis lives in Ireland.
Passage
She sails to Brooklyn.
Homesickness
She struggles.
Tony
She meets him.
Return
A death calls her home.
Choice
She must choose.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| Enniscorthy | Eilis lives in Ireland. |
| Passage | She sails to Brooklyn. |
| Homesickness | She struggles. |
| Tony | She meets him. |
| Return | A death calls her home. |
| Choice | She must choose. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Emigration involves loss.
- Home is complicated.
- Love can change plans.
- Choices shape lives.
- Quiet lives are significant.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The prose is understated.
- The ending is open to interpretation.
- The film is faithful.
Who Should Read Brooklyn?
Read it if you like quiet novels. It is gentle.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Brooklyn:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (2009)
- Type: Literary fiction
- Best for: readers who like quiet, emotional novels about emigration
- Main idea in one line: Emigration involves loss.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Brooklyn is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Brooklyn, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of Brooklyn on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Nora Webster by Colm Toibin: a widow
- The Master by Colm Toibin: a novel of Henry James
- Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan: an Irish novella
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brooklyn a movie?
Yes, 2015.
Who wrote it?
Colm Toibin.
What age is it for?
Adults.
Is Brooklyn worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like quiet, emotional novels about emigration. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Brooklyn?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Brooklyn?
Brooklyn returns again and again to a few big ideas. Emigration involves loss. Home is complicated. Love can change plans. Choices shape lives. Quiet lives are significant. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.
What ideas from Brooklyn are worth remembering?
Readers often come away with these points in mind: The prose is understated. The ending is open to interpretation. The film is faithful.
How long does it take to read Brooklyn?
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.