What Casting Off is about:
On a tiny island off the west coast of Ireland, the fishermen's handmade sweaters tell a story. Each is unique-feelings stitched into rows, memories into patterns. It is here that Rebecca Moray comes to research a book on Irish knitting. With her daughter, Rowan, accompanying her, she hopes to lose herself in the history of the island and forget her own painful past. Soon, the townsfolk's warm embrace wraps Rebecca and Rowan in a world of friendship, laughter, and love.
I found this little gem of a book on my library's sale cart and for .50 cents how could I go wrong? The cover alone made me stop and take notice. After reading the back and finding out that the setting was Ireland, I was sold! There wasn't one part of this book that I didn't like. The characters are all there and so are their personalities. I swear every book that I read where the people go to the pub, knit, and are fisherman have me chomping at the bit to get my passport and board this next flight to Ireland and never come home!!!
Recommend? No question...yes! For me I'm always looking for stories that allow for character growth and keep me engaged with the storyline. I was totally immersed into the stories behind the creation of the gansies (sweaters) and the different designs that are knitted into them. This book made me wish time and time again that I grew up learning how to knit! Perfect way to spend a few days and left me wanting to read more from this author!
Source: Purchase from library sale cart
Bookish Thoughts #32
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The cover is awesome, and bonus that you loved the book -- great find.
ReplyDeleteThose Irish sweaters have been famous ever since I can remember. Haven't seen them lately though. Might have to go to Ireland for some :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book!!! I bet you love The Quiet Man as much as I do, right??? :)
ReplyDeleteYou make this one sound so appealing. I looked and find that I already have it on my Kindle. I'm moving it to the top of the stack - well, after I get finished with my current Deborah Crombie books. I've been going from one of those to another. I decided I'd continue reading them in order until I get tired of them. Still have several in the series to go.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! When I read a book like that it always makes me want to take up knitting.
ReplyDeleteSounds absolutely wonderful. I'll keep an eye out for it.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of this book! I think I may have this book - off to check.. Glad you loved it especially if I have it. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI am so heading over to your library at once! Now why can't I find books like that? :D
ReplyDeleteGosh, this sounds good. I've heard that each sweater was knitted differently so if a sweater was found in the sea, meaning the wearer had drowned, the family would know who the owner was.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like a gem.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found this gem! I'd choose it based on the cover alone too.
ReplyDeleteI love when I find a forgotten treasure at the library sale! This cover would have had me picking it up too. I hope to visit Ireland someday but don't plan on taling up knitting, maybe I'll just stick to the drinking, LOL~
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. I picked it up at the library one day while browsing. The cover sold me but the story was excellent.
ReplyDeleteI love when I pick up a hidden treasure at the library sale. This sounds like a great read. I can't knit very well but still enjoy reading about books where knitting plays a role.
ReplyDeleteYou sold me with the Ireland and knitting, and that you really enjoyed it is the icing on the cake. :)
ReplyDeleteYou sold me. Adding to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteyep Ireland and knitting ... sounds delightful!!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I can't walk by a sale cart or shelf! You never know what little gem you might find!
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