Synopses & Reviews
Set in the 1950s, this is the story of Katherine Proctor who "flees husband, child and County Wexford (Ireland) for Spain. She, a Catalan lover, and another Irish emigre, painters all, fashion new worlds in their work while fighting past worlds in their lives." (Library Journal)
Review
"A highly impressive debut." Boston Globe
Review
"Irish journalist Toibin's compelling tale of love and art, set in the United Kingdom and Franco's Spain, makes for a rich and remarkable debut." Publishers Weekly
Review
"This exceptional first novel has the unusual quality of taking Irish material, allegedly unique, and making it European.... The South raises personal neuroses to the power of collective politics. It comes with praise from Don DeLillo and John Banville, among whose works it fits very well." John P. Harrington, Library Journal
Synopsis
In 1950, determined to escape her family and become a painter, Katherine leaves Ireland for Barcelona. There she lives with an anarchist veteran of the Spanish Civil War until her past catches up with her. The South is both powerful and lyrical, a novel of art and exile and the irreconcilable yearnings for love and freedom.
About the Author
Colm Tóibín was born in Ireland and lives in Dublin. He is one of Ireland's best known journalists. He is the author of The South, winner of the Irish Times/Aer Lingus Prize. In 1995, he was awarded the Academy of Arts and Letters E. M. Forster Prize. He is also the author of The Heather Blazing and The Story of the Night.