A review by thebooktrail88
With Our Blessing by Jo Spain
5.0
![Ireland](http://www.thebooktrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WISH.jpg)
Visit the locations in the novel - Visit Ireland
This is quite a remarkable novel. It’s been on the TBR pile for a while but I’m so glad I’ve read this as it’s made me think about it ever since.
If like me, you thought it might be a bit uncomfortable about the Magdalene laundries, then I can say that this is only the main focus – it’s more of a crime mystery steeped in awful Irish history. Once you get past that opening scene, (there’s an image which will stay with me) it’s a fascinating delve into history, community, the Church, society’s beliefs and so much more.
It felt raw and very much real – not just because the last of these places was closed only in the late 1990s – but the writing is haunting too, slow and self-assured. The plot is steady and you’re not sure if you want to find certain things out or not.
Despite the dark subject matter, I warmed to the characters and felt as nervous as they did when staying in the convent. The nuns were fascinating to spend time with and throughout the novel I felt as cold, chilled and as claustrophobic as I think the characters do. The theme of abandonment, loss and imprisonment come out in the setting so well it’s scary.
This would make a great book club choice as the the way single mothers are looked upon, the role of women in Ireland and so much besides. Jo Spain is definitely on my list of authors I have to ensure I read everything she does.