Book Review: ‘Land’ by Maggie O’Farrell

Book Title: Land: A Novel
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Publisher: Alfred a Knopf Inc
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 0593320646
Date Published: Jun. 2, 2026

Book Review

Maggie O’Farrell’s “Land” is a powerful historical novel that explores family, memory, and the deep connection between people and the places they live. Set in Ireland after the Great Hunger, the story begins with Tomás and his young son Liam, who are helping map the Irish countryside. When Tomás has a strange experience in an ancient woodland, the lives of the entire family begin to change. From there, the novel moves across different time periods, showing how one piece of land holds stories that stretch across generations.

Check out our latest Book Reviews

The strength of the novel lies in its characters. O’Farrell gives each member of the family their own hopes, fears, and struggles, making them feel real and easy to care about. Alongside their personal journeys, the book also looks at the lasting effects of famine, British rule, faith, and the dream of starting a new life elsewhere. The mysterious woodland adds a quiet sense of wonder, but the heart of the story remains the people and the choices they make.

O’Farrell’s writing is beautiful without ever losing sight of the emotions at the centre of the story. The novel takes its time, especially in the opening chapters, but it grows stronger as the family’s lives unfold and the deeper meaning of the land becomes clear.

To sum up, “Land” is a thoughtful and moving novel about love, loss, belonging, and the way the past continues to shape our lives. It is a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with rich characters and lasting emotional depth.

Books are love!

Get a copy now!