Brooklyn
Reading Order.
Start Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín with "Brooklyn", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
The complete reading order for the Brooklyn series by Colm Tóibín. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.
Short Answer:
Start with "Brooklyn"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The discussion heavily centers on finding a structured reading order for Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings series (Farseer, Liveship, Tawny Man, etc.), though the quality and tone of that series (especially the Farseer trilogy) are highly controversial. Outside of Hobb, there is a strong consensus recommending Patrick Rothfuss's 'The Name of the Wind' and Scott Lynch's 'Gentlemen Bastards' for readers who enjoy first-person narration and deep character work. Many users also share a strong mutual interest in 'Weird Fiction' and 'Experimental' literature."
For the most detailed series discussed, the recommended sequence for Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings is to begin with the **Farseer Trilogy**. If seeking a generally lighter or more universally praised starting point based on the protagonist preference, start with **The Name of the Wind** (The Kingkiller Chronicles Book 1) by Patrick Rothfuss. Avoid the Malazan Book of the Fallen if you dislike dense, complicated stories with large casts.
At a Glance
- First Book:Brooklyn
- Latest Book:Long Island
- Timeline:2010 - 2025
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Brooklyn conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Brooklyn. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Brooklyn" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Brooklyn" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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Is it okay to skip books in the Brooklyn series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Brooklyn?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Brooklyn" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Colm Tóibín intended.
Can I read Brooklyn books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Brooklyn universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.