Book Review: The Parish and the Hill by Mary Doyle Curran

Written in 1948, The Parish and the Hill became an instant classic. Chronicling the trials and struggles of Irish Americans in 1920's New England, The Parish and the Hill offers a clear view into three generations of the O'Connor family as they fight, drink and work to preserve themselves, their family and their Irish heritage.

Told from the viewpoint of the youngest child, Mary, The Parish and the Hill is a quick read with a strong female at the heart. What keeps the family together even when apart is the mother, who more often than not puts her children and her relatives before herself. With near-saintly behavior, Mrs. O'Connor sticks up for her brothers, her husband and fights to keep her children safe even when they treat her like a doormat. Her strength and love is admirable and is at the heart of this tale of culture clash, immigration and ultimately fighting to survive in a new world while trying to not lose your footing in the old one.

After all, just because one moves to the Hill from the Parish, doesn't mean that you're any less Irish. only a drop in your blood means that you are of Ireland.

Score: 4/5
Book Information: The Parish and the Hill by Mary Doyle Curran was originally published in 1948 by Houghton Mifflin. This review corresponds with the 1986 reprinting by Feminist Press with ISBN 1-55861-396-X.