The Parting Glass
by Emilie Richards
Review by Vicki Carver
Many readers of fiction enjoy authors such as Belva Plain and Maeve Binchy who write about characters whose lives directly or indirectly intersect. There is an author who is not as well-known as Plain or Binchy but writes compelling stories about relationships and social issues. Her name is Emilie Richards and one of her recent books is called The Parting Glass.
The three Donaghue sisters live in Cleveland where they are all involved in the operation of the Whiskey Island Saloon, a historic Irish-American pub. As the story begins Megan Donaghue is about to marry former priest Niccalo Andriani. Her sisters Casey and Peggy are helping Megan to prepare for her wedding. They are surprised when a tumultuous storm rips through Cleveland doing extensive damage to the pub during the wedding reception. Megan, as proprietor of the pub, must begin her new marriage while rebuilding the building.
Peggy plans to leave the following day to live for a year in a small Irish village with an ailing Aunt Irene. She is taking her two-year-old son Kieran, who is autistic. Peggy hopes to spend time helping Kieran learn to interact with his environment in a more positive way.
Peggy gets more than she bargained for after arriving in Ireland. Kieran does not respond well despite Peggy’s efforts. Also she meets Dr. Finn O’Malley, a man who is desperately trying to come to terms with a family tragedy he feels responsible for. Peggy and Finn begin to establish a stormy relationship with each other. As they learn to care for each other, their own personal issues continue to influence their relationship.
Meanwhile, Megan has her share of controversy in Cleveland. Her new husband Niccolo is so involved with his career and the pub rebuilding that he is neglecting his wife. It appears that the former priest doesn’t know how to be a husband.
Interspersed with the plot is the story from the 1920’s of Liam Willdo, who had a shady past but also an affiliation with the Whiskey Island Saloon. Liam’s attempt to justify his stormy life ultimately have a profound effect upon the present lives of the Donaghues. As the story concludes, the sisters are able to come to terms with the problems which have been plaguing their lives.
The Parting Glass is an excellent glimpse into what a parent experiences trying to raise an autistic child. It is obvious that Richards has researched the challenges of autism. Also, there is an interesting glimpse of the turbulence caused by prohibition in the 1920’s and how it effected organized crime.
The Donaghue sisters ultimately come together in Ireland and with both determination and a bit of Irish luck are able to change their lives for the better.