The Visitor

This haunting novella tells the story of Anastasia King, who returns to Dublin only to face her estranged grandmother's bitter resentment. The Visitor explores themes of family and acceptance.

In The Visitor, the story unfolds as twenty-two-year-old Anastasia King returns to Dublin after her mother's passing, leaving behind the vibrant life she had in Paris. Upon her arrival, she discovers that her estranged father has also died during her absence. This return to her family home is not the warm welcome she anticipated; instead, she is confronted by her resentful grandmother, who harbors deep-seated bitterness towards Anastasia for abandoning her family alongside her mother. The tension between them sets the stage for a poignant exploration of familial ties and the burdens of the past.

As Anastasia navigates her grandmother's hostility, the novella delves into the emotional turmoil and humiliation she experiences. Each day brings new challenges, revealing the complexities of their relationship and the weight of unspoken grievances. While Anastasia believes she has come home to reclaim her life, her grandmother's unwavering resentment paints her return as a struggle for acceptance. The narrative captures the essence of feeling like an outsider in one’s own family.

Written by Maeve Brennan in her twenties, The Visitor is a masterful exploration of personal and political themes that affect a young woman's quest for freedom. With a new introduction by Lynne Tillman, this novella solidifies Brennan's status as a remarkable writer, offering readers an unflinching look at the intricacies of the human heart and the impact of unresolved family dynamics.