Every day someone tells me that they have read one of the books we’ve suggested this summer. Perhaps establishing a book club might appeal to some of you. Today’s book takes us to Ireland in the 1950’s and ends in the U.S. in 2007. It is well written fiction. The title is The Walking People by Mary Beth Keane. The Walking People is a very warm, human story about the joys and struggles of an Irish family, some of whom immigrate to the U.S. Ethnic and cultural differences arise when a relationship develops between a member of the family and an Irish Traveler. Travelers are the Irish version of gypsies. The couple manages it well, but neither family accepts it.
The author allows us to view the pain associated with immigrating to a strange country and gives good insight into the process of acclimatization, especially when there are children to be raised in the new culture. You will learn a lot about how the Irish view life, death, health, and family.
Catholic Social Teaching:
- Racial/ ethnic differences
- Strong family bonds
- Struggles of immigration
- Respect for human dignity
