Claire Keegan's "Foster" is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming novella set in rural Ireland during the summer of 1981. The story is narrated by an unnamed young girl who is sent to live with her distant relatives, the Kinsellas, because her own family is struggling and can't take care of all their children.

The narrator experiences a transformative summer as she encounters kindness, care, and a sense of belonging that starkly contrasts with the neglect and indifference she faces in her own home. The story explores the transformative power of love, care, and human connection.

Keegan's "Foster" is a moving and beautifully crafted narrative that captures the essence of a life-changing summer in a young girl's life.