Foster by Claire Keegan is a short story that has recently been published as a standalone novella. I love Keegan’s spare writing style. She’s able to evoke so much emotion with fewer words than most.

In this story, a young girl in Ireland is sent to live with another couple for the summer, because her parents are overwhelmed with her many siblings and another on the way. In her temporary home, the girl finds peace, and feels loved and cared for. At the same time, there are unspoken signs of another child, in the secondhand boy’s clothes she is given to wear.

This story, told from the girl’s perspective, is moving. At the end of the summer, I hoped she wouldn’t have to return home. If you are looking for a quick read to round out your reading goal this year, this book is an excellent choice.