Book 28 - William Trevor "Ireland"
Apr. 14th, 2021 11:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
William Trevor "Ireland: Selected Stories" (Penguin Classics)

I've been steadily going through these stories for several weeks because one cannot read more than one of these thoughtful but often depressing gems at a time. Here is a selection of stories about Ireland. The settings are from the Famine Era up through the 1980s. Over a hundred years of a culture in which its mythology was more positive than its reality. They are not just stories but also insights into society and the social subconscious of a country. Some are disturbing, some -- like "Two More Gallants" -- cleverly and bitingly comment on Irish literary tradition, and a few reveal a glimmer of hope for readers and Ireland. All are remarkable and thus come recommended.

I've been steadily going through these stories for several weeks because one cannot read more than one of these thoughtful but often depressing gems at a time. Here is a selection of stories about Ireland. The settings are from the Famine Era up through the 1980s. Over a hundred years of a culture in which its mythology was more positive than its reality. They are not just stories but also insights into society and the social subconscious of a country. Some are disturbing, some -- like "Two More Gallants" -- cleverly and bitingly comment on Irish literary tradition, and a few reveal a glimmer of hope for readers and Ireland. All are remarkable and thus come recommended.