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The Story of Lucy Gault

by William Trevor

A family’s departure from early-1920s Ireland

Critically Recognized
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Regular price $29.55 USD Sale price $18.91 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Praised by The Washington Post Book World as unforgettable

    The review praises the novel as unforgettable.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A family’s departure from early-1920s Ireland

Set amid the threat of violence in early-1920s Ireland, the novel centers on the Gault family’s decision to leave their country home for England. Nine-year-old Lucy’s attachment to Lahardane—its land, nearby beach, and a dog she has befriended—stands against her parents’ plans. Her attempt to make them stay leads to misunderstandings whose effects reach across the household and the wider community over many years. The book’s central concerns include family loyalty, guilt, and forgiveness, with one child’s response to upheaval shaping the lives around her.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in historical fiction set in Ireland
  • Readers drawn to family stories shaped by displacement and long-lasting misunderstandings
  • Readers interested in themes of guilt and forgiveness

Themes

Family and belongingDisplacementGuiltForgiveness

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"The Story of Lucy Gault . . . once read, will never be forgotten."--The Washington Post Book World

"Trevor was our twentieth century Chekov."--Wall Street Journal


The stunning novel from highly acclaimed author William Trevor is a brilliant, subtle, and moving story of love, guilt, and forgiveness. The Gault family leads a life of privilege in early 1920s Ireland, but the threat of violence leads the parents of nine-year-old Lucy to decide to leave for England, her mother's home. Lucy cannot bear the thought of leaving Lahardane, their country house with its beautiful land and nearby beach, and a dog she has befriended. On the day before they are to leave, Lucy runs away, hoping to convince her parents to stay. Instead, she sets off a series of tragic misunderstandings that affect all of Lahardane's inhabitants for the rest of their lives.
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Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.