Dear Missing Friend by Susan McGuirk is a book written in letter formation. The letters are either to or from Catherine McGuirk. She and two of her brothers left Ireland during the potato famine and emigrated to the US. The story is set in New York (Long Island and Manhattan). The book is based on the author’s family’s history.
Catherine McGuirk always wanted to be a teacher, but most people did not want to hire a woman who speaks with an accent. She is able to work for a couple of hotels. She was able to strike up a friendship with famous authors. She married, but was left for years while her husband was at sea or in the gold fields, so removed herself from him. Eventually she found a job like what she always wanted.
The entire story is told in letters to friends and family and their replies. I found it fascinating following her journey. The fact that letters often allow the reader to hear their inner thoughts and opinions. Catherine was a strong woman who was willing to reach for her dreams despite the time she lived.
Dear Missing Friends by Susan McGuirk is a fun read. I enjoyed the novel!
The ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
