Review of Evenings and Weekends by Oisin Cashman
As the new year dawned, I found myself yearning for a fresh perspective, an intriguing narrative to set the tone for my reading adventures. Evenings and Weekends, the debut novel by Irish author Oisin Cashman, quickly caught my eye, especially given its unique premise—a whale stuck in the Thames during the unprecedented heat of June 2019! Now, that’s not something you stumble upon every day, and it certainly caught me off guard. But sometimes, the unexpected is just what you need to warm up to a story—and eventually, that’s exactly what happened.
At first, I will admit, the multitude of interconnected characters made it a bit challenging to grasp the full scope of the narrative. We meet brothers, friends, lovers, and family members, all carrying their personal baggage, which can feel reminiscent of a somewhat chaotic family reunion. Once I got my bearings, however, I found myself genuinely invested in their lives, particularly Maggie. Her authenticity jumped off the page, and I was hooked from our very first encounter. She’s pregnant and grappling with the emotional upheaval of leaving the city she loves to move back to her hometown with her boyfriend, Ed. Their uncertainty about the future is palpable, and I found myself rooting for them—will their bond withstand the weighty secrets and challenges that lie ahead?
The sweltering backdrop of a record-breaking heatwave creates a feverish intensity, heightening the stakes for each character as they prepare for a pivotal party on the summer solstice. As we delve deeper into their intertwined pasts, secrets unfold that reveal their shared disappointments and unfulfilled desires. Oisin deftly touches on weighty topics such as social class, cancer, and the pressures of modern parenthood while also exploring lighter themes of love and friendship.
Cashman’s writing is both stunning and assured, especially for a debut novel. His prose flows with a rhythmic grace, and the pacing, while initially slow, builds beautifully toward a crescendo. The storytelling—what a whirl! Each character plays a vital role in this kaleidoscope of lives; you can’t help but feel its breathlessness as you learn who will emerge from the weekend forever changed. As he writes, “Right now, every single person in London is cackling into the mouth of the heat wave of weekend, screaming Let’s have it,” capturing that palpable energy of anticipation and spontaneity.
One memorable quote that resonated with me encapsulates the overarching question of this generation: “Why was it that her generation had to demand transformation, sex, adventure, comfort, stability, romance, conversation, intimacy, all from the one person? What’s so bad about settling?” This struck a chord; it’s a question many of us grapple with as we navigate love and life.
For anyone seeking a vibrant, character-driven narrative that challenges the complexities of adulthood while weaving a rich tapestry of life’s competing demands, Evenings and Weekends is a compelling read. It captures the essence of seeking transformation and grappling with our desires amid the chaos of daily life.
In embracing my goal of reading more Irish literature, I’d love to hear your recommendations. Who knows what treasures await? ☘️💚