Although some of the subject matter and behaviour are confronting, Boyne's writing conveys with his trademark empathy and humour, some of the pathos and gritty reality of life and love in Ireland in the first half of the 20th century. This is contrasted and balanced with possiblities allowed in a more liberal culture, not all of them desirable, which Ireland slowly embraced decades later. His characters are vivid and memorable, and while their escapades might be unique, their experiences are essentially universal, and universally moving.
(Margaret Teh - bwl 100 Spring 2021 ) |
