This is an exploration of McGahern's childhood in rural Ireland in the 1940's and 50's. He deeply loved his mother who died of cancer when he was still very young. Sent with his siblings to live with his authoritative father in police barracks (his father and mother rarely lived together) the children learn to endure cruelty and unpredictabilty and to rely entirely on each other for their emotional development. McGahern discovered books through the libarary of a sympathetic local priest, and through his education, gradually breaks free of the extraordinary volatile father who endeavours to control his life and that of his sisters and brother. I've not yet read any other books by McGahern. I will, to experience again his heartfelt, compelling, evocative writing.
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