A story of building an identity outside the community of the faithful, Ordinary Saints, the multi-awarded debut by Edinburgh-based Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is relatable to anyone who chose to leave their faith. No matter which faith, parting ways with the pious upbringings requests a ´before´ and ´after´, where the familiar is replaced with a high-risk social existence, far away from everything one may be used with.
Inspired by the author´s own devout upbringing, the book is a confrontation between the storyteller and her family, following the sanctification perspective of her beloved older brother, who died suddently. This new situation may push Jay, living currently in London with her girlfriend, to face her family requesting answers.
It is both a family story, with a strong Catholic background, but also a story of growing up, out of and against faith, but nevertheless build one´s own life. The dramatic moments are balanced by well-spirited remarks and episodes, giving an air of normality and honesty to the account.
I personally appreciated the complexity of the approach, who goes beyond the usual black-and-white take. Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is definitely a compex voice that has a lot to say in the future.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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