Very good story of a child raised by a widow who is employed at a convent doing laundry. At times, it is difficult to tell who is narrating as McDermott changes perspectives frequently. But I recommend this book.

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The early part of the twentieth century is replete with immigrant stories about New York, especially Brooklyn. Alice McDermott is a master of Irish legends, creating a story here that kept my nerves on edge, hoping some good will come to some of her Irish American characters. The Ninth Hour begins with a scene in a tenement building where Jim, recently fired from his job on the BMT railroad, kills himself, leaving behind his wife, Annie and an unborn child. Sally, the baby, arrives in the world surrounded by the safe environment of the nuns who comprise the Little Sister of the Sick Poor in a nearby convent. Annie works in the washroom with Sister St. Savior and Sally grows up with her mom and Sister St. Savior guiding her way. The story of the magic the women do with the wash that fills their days and the stories of times gone past in Ireland make this a vibrant chronicle from the very beginning.

Every detail of this strong story of the mother and child and then mom and teenager kept me glued to each new chapter. The skill of Anne McDermott's writing, characterization, and story telling kept me fascinated to the very last word. The story helped remind me what my ancestors and so many others went through to live a better life in a new country. Life was never easy, and today, we know that immigrants from other nations are finding it even harder.

Thank you, NetGalley, Alice McDermott, and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for the opportunity read this e-arc.

lovely writing

Lots of little gems in this one - an author who clearly knows what they're doing

I’ve been a long time Alice McDermott fan and was pleased she’d published a new novel. I grew up Catholic so this world of nuns in their habits was familiar to me. I have always admired McDermott’s descriptions, especially of small details that nail a scene and a setting so accurately. However, I’ve only given this three stars because at times, I found the time shifts confusing and the ending for me was unsatisfying. I wanted to know more of Sally’s married life and to understand and meet the “we”in the final chapters.

I enjoyed this book very much, after I approached it with reluctance because of reviews from friends that it was boring and depressing. I found the writing to be beautiful, subtle, and emotionally compelling.

It was a sweet and simple book. Although I liked the way it all came together in the end, I found myself a bit underwhelmed a few times in the middle.

Credible, poignant characters. I read it on an international trip and perhaps wasn't paying full attention, or had jet lag, because I found myself surprised and a little lost with the ending. Probably need to go reread that.