A short but profound book where every word counts beautifully conveying the community and life in rural Ireland. Set against the background of the Magdalen laundries, Bill Furlong, hard-working coal supplier, senses that all is not well in the local convent. His past - born illegitimate to a maidservant and brought up by her kindly Protestant employer - underscores the theme of humanity and charity versus the cruelty and control of the Catholic church. While the book ends on a hopeful note, we know many dark days were to follow.
(Sue Pratt - bwl 111 Winter 2024 ) |
