Product Description

A story about three Northern Irish sisters. It has a double narrative, part of which describes their childhood and shows the impact of the political changes and the violence of the late-1960s upon the people of Ulster, as the wholeness and coherence of early childhood gradually break down.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #177101 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-18
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 181 pages

Customer Reviews

One of the best novels of the 90s
Deirdre Madden's novel is a wonderous thing. It's heartwarming, frightening, saddening, joyful, trivial, vital, and alive. It's a book about the family, the individual, love, hate, forgiveness, unforgiveness, betrayal, hypocrisy, marriage, parenthood, war, peace and more. What's more, it is one of the best novels of Irish Catholic life I have yet read, up there with John McGahern's Amongst Women. Madden differs from McGahern, however, in that her portrayal is of a warm, tender family with much humour and compassion, destroyed by a single, shocking, act of violence. The depiction of Northern Ireland society from the 60s to the 90s is affectionate and bitter by turns, but always honest. This book really is one of the best things I have read this decade. Do yourself a favour and read it too. You won't be disappointed. Unless you're an arse.

A Gem of a book to be treasured
This is a excellent book for any and all readers.
I normally wade thro Crime\Travel\Thrillers but this book is something quite different.
The scene is Northern Ireland before the IRA ceasefire and a family of 4 women - mother and 3 daughters, live their lives in the shadow of a terrible event.
The characterisation is subtle, thoughtful and authentic.
Treat yourself, buy it..