The South: A Novel

The South is author Colm Toibin’s first novel, and it was an auspicious arrival in 1990. Brooding and anxious, his protagonist Katherine Proctor seeks a new future even at the cost of abandoning her husband and child in Ireland. She is motivated to get far away, to remove herself from small town values, from the deeply ingrained “troubles” in Ireland, and the low expectations for success that prevail like the cold, heavy mists over the sea and fields. She appears in Barcelona and wanders uncertain and listless in a city and country every bit as haunted by its fractious past as Ireland. How she struggles forward and seeks resolution through painting pulls readers into her predicaments to the end. Interiority defines this story as Toibin explores the internal musing, questioning, fantasizing, and circular thinking of his primary character. At times the story feels claustrophobic, other times it induces a kind of dream state like being lost in the mountain fog above Barcelona. A predominant theme here is abandonment, and Toibin presents it from the perspective of those leaving and those left behind. It tears at the soul and leaves yearning and questioning. A mother abandons her daughter who later leaves behind her son. There’s never a full resolution but sometimes an earnest attempt to understand and bridge the rifts of the past. Toibin is one of our greatest English-writing authors, and it’s a pleasure to explore his early writing with this novel of The South. \Michael Helquist, MARIE EQUI: Radical Politics and Outlaw Passions

The South, the story of an Irish woman who falls in love with a Spanish anarchist in 1950's Barcelona, is captivating but tragic. Katherine Proctor, the Irish woman, was a well developed character and, throughout the novel, I was interested in her and cared about her. Often I wondered at her decisions because her chosen life with Miguel is poverty stricken, at times violent and sometimes impossible to continue. The most fascinating aspect for me was the revelation of the complex events of the Spanish Civil War and, especially, the way Franco continued to hunt down those who had fought against his Nationalist army. The plot moves slowly, but that was not a problem for me. Overall,though, the book is a sad one; it begins this way and only becomes more so. Yet, I still feel it was valuable to read.

I like the insight Colm gave us into the beauty of two European countries. I never really thought about a connection between Ireland and Spain. The character development was a bit clunky, as the writer took too many jumps forward and back to tell us about Katherine. As a reader, I felt unrealistically surprised with the way Miguel met his demise, as we didn't get enough background on him up to that point. All in all, I would recommend this book to readers whose imagination, or knowledge of history in this part of the world, will help them fill in the blanks not given to us by the writer.

An Irish painter leaves her husband and young son to search for her creative self in The South - Barcelona, Spain. Set in post Spanish civil war, the protagonist meets a former freedom fighter and ambitious artist who leads her on a journey of personal and artistic discovery with tragic consequences. Moving and profoundly expressed, Toibin’s verbal imagery flows in sensuous layers like liquified paint on canvas.

A very direct storytelling, dramatic yet calmly told. No moralism. I read it after visiting Barcelona and Ireland which may have enhanced my reading, but I found in it a strong, sometimes seemingly cold yet also passionate female character, who doesn't justify any of her behavior. The flashbacks that reveal her history are transitioned easily in and out of her story. Not all my questions about the character are answered yet I was still satisfied. Having read this first novel by Colm Toibim I'm drawn to read more of his work

I've read some of the other good reviews and agree with many of their points. This book is not for everyone for sure, so don't be misled by my 5 star rating. I so enjoyed the deeply wounded, affected characters and how Toibin pulls back the layers and exposes them. It is a great telling of the inner turmoil that does go on in the hearts of humankind, no matter what life situation they are in.

Interesting characters. Good writing.

I like this author. I have read several of his books, and this one did not disappoint. His character development is such that you could pick the person out in a crowd. Very impactful story.

I heard an interview with the author. He was an interesting man and thought I've got to read one of his novels. Really enjoyed this novels, I'd visited Barcelona so some of the locations were familiar. But what a well written story. The feeling,the emotion was outstanding. I've downloaded another of his novels and am looking forward to the read

Toibin is one of my favourite authors and this is one of his best books. Loved it.

Lo compré para una clase se inglés y ni fu ni fa. El escritor sabe crear ambiente, pero la historia no me llamó mucho...

Dies ist das dritte Buch von Colm Toibin, das ich gelesen habe. Es geht um eine Frau, die versucht, ihren Weg zu gehen, mit einer schwierigen Vergangenheit in ihrer Heimat und die in ihrer neuen Heimat von der dortigen schwierigen Vergangenheit eingeholt wird. Colmar Toibin entwirft und schreibt die Geschichte mit schlichter Klarheit und Simplizität. Es ist kein Wort zuviel oder zuwenig und er gibt damit dem Leser viel Raum für eigene Gedanken. Er beschreibt, ohne zu werten. Das war sicherlich nicht das letzte Buch, das ich von ihm gelesen habe.

I loved this book. Colm Toibin is a great writer, It was an easy enjoyable read with such descriptive characters.