The Lacemakers Of Glenmara (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This was kind of a silly book about a scorned woman who takes off on a trip to Ireland to ponder great thoughts about the meaning of her former relationship...blah...blah...blah. This storyline has been done so many times. The interesting twist with this story is the fact that the main character joins a group of local women in making traditional Irish lace. She challenges the "old ways", causing some issues in the community. There is an upset priest. There are grumbly women. There is a death. There is some lace underwear. Of course the main character falls in love with the first handsome Irishman she finds. So overdone. Except for the lace part. The Lace Makers of Glenmara, situated in a remote village in Ireland, reminds me of Jan Karon’s The Mitford series of novels as it offers a similar small-town feel where everyone knows each other and occasionally each other’s business as well. Although the author, Heather Barbieri, eloquently describes the rustic Irish countryside, I could never seem to truly feel engaged with this story. Perhaps, if the author had written this novel using Kate’s voice in the first person, I might have felt less detached than when reading this version in the third person.When Kate Robinson’s mother passes away, and Kate’s relationship with boyfriend Ethan ends in disappointment, Kate flees to ancestral Ireland to find a balance in her life and to come to terms with her mother’s death. There, in a coastal village, Kate meets Bernie and the lacemakers of Glenmara. In learning the craft of working with lace, Kate finds the inspiration to design beautiful lingerie, and a new pact and business is formed that leads to new possibilities for all the women in this guild of lacemakers. Ironically in this world’s smallest community, Kate finds handsome Sullivan Deane who similarly is recovering from a lost love. Although I’m often easily absorbed in the emotional and romantic elements of a story, I thought that the author could have developed this romance a little further. Sullivan Deane’s character was never truly revealed and his feelings were never really made transparent. I would have wanted to understand his torment better, and to feel his rehabilitation through his developing relationship with Kate.Aside from all that, I did find The Lace Makers of Glenmara to be a pleasant story and probably a worthy read. It’s not compelling or enchanting, but enjoyable nonetheless.
What do You think about The Lacemakers Of Glenmara (2009)?
A nice story of finding your way after many obstacles ... Love what happens with the lace.
—Drossi
This was a great afternoon read... little magic, little drama.. easy.
—lpress13
