Follow The Sun | Edward J. Delaney

My review of Edward J. Delaney’s Follow The Sun appeared today in the Providence Journal.

I first encountered Delaney’s writing in 2011, when I reviewed Broken Irish for the Boston Globe. I was really impressed with his depiction of South Boston; while not entirely free of the common stereotypes of the neighborhood, it was worlds better than most, offering dynamic, complex characters who are neither broad caricatures nor flawless ideals. Delaney’s writing is, first and foremost, honest, and as a former journalist, he has a knack for capturing the truth in his writing, warts and all.

Follow The Sun is another story of working class New Englanders (this time, in Rhode Island) struggling against their circumstances and trying to make sense of their lives. Once again, Delaney captures the environment with pitch perfect precision, and his characters — their voices, their aspirations, and their heartbreaks — feel all too real.