Book Review: ‘The Slow Road North’ by Rosie Schaap – A Journey of Healing in a Northern Irish Town
In her deeply moving memoir, The Slow Road North, writer Rosie Schaap takes readers on a transformative journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the tranquil landscapes of Northern Ireland. This poignant tale explores whether running away from grief and sadness can actually be a pathway to healing.
A New Yorker at Heart
Rosie Schaap, a seasoned journalist, teacher, and occasional bartender, had long been a fixture in Brooklyn, New York. With her cozy apartment and a life deeply rooted in the city, Schaap seemed destined to remain a New Yorker. However, life had other plans. In 2010, Schaap’s world was turned upside down when her husband succumbed to cancer, leaving her a widow at just 39 years old. A little over a year later, her mother passed away, adding to her overwhelming grief.
The Call of Ireland
Schaap had always harbored a fascination with Ireland—its poets, its rich history, and its rugged beauty. This interest led her to visit the country multiple times over the years. In 2019, seeking solace and a change of pace, she enrolled in a creative writing program in Belfast. It was here that she discovered Glenarm, a small coastal town north of Belfast, and decided to make it her new home.
Skepticism and Self-Discovery
Moving to Glenarm was not without its challenges. Friends in New York questioned why Schaap would leave behind her seemingly perfect life, and Irish locals were puzzled by the arrival of an American in their tight-knit community. Even Schaap herself wrestled with doubts, fearing she might be running away from her problems rather than confronting them. However, she was determined to integrate into the community and find her place in this new environment.
Embracing Northern Ireland’s Nuanced Relationship with Grief
As Schaap navigates her new life in Glenarm, she immerses herself in the local culture, forming connections with the townspeople and finding solace in the serene countryside. Her journey is enriched by her deep appreciation for Irish poetry and folktales, as well as her exploration of the nation’s complex history, including the devastating potato famine of the 1800s and the sectarian conflict known as The Troubles.
Through these experiences, Schaap begins to understand how Northern Ireland’s own history of grief and resilience mirrors her personal struggles. The town of Glenarm becomes more than just a place to escape; it becomes a place where she can begin to heal.
A Quiet and Healing Place
Schaap’s memoir is a beautifully written narrative that blends personal reflection with cultural exploration. Her evocative descriptions of Glenarm and its people paint a vivid picture of a place where she can finally start to confront her grief. As she writes, “Moving would not ‘fix’ me, but another way of living, here, in this quiet and healing place, might start to heal me, too.”
The Slow Road North is not just a story of relocation; it’s a profound meditation on grief, healing, and the power of place. Rosie Schaap’s journey reminds us that sometimes, the road to healing is not about running away from our pain, but about finding a new way to live with it.
