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It's not all in the synopsis, 8 Jun 2003
Please don't be put off this book by the above synopsis. The publishers, who otherwise did a fine job, did the book a dis-service with this synopsis, which appears on the back of the book. There is no bestiality and religion doesn't play much of a part either and while there is much that is distressing about this novel and two, in particular, of its characters, there is much beauty to be found.The book is an episodic novel set in two different time periods simultaneously, 1951 and 1997. The book concerns the inter-related lives of a diverse group of characters from the monsters Big Bucko and Aenghus to the tragic beauty of Marty and Ruth. From the finally realised power of Alice 'n' Grace, Grace'n' Alice to the central, gradually revealed story of Alison, Angelica and Angie. This is a novel of mystery and power where the setting, a small island off the West of Ireland, and an even smaller island off this island, proves as strong a character as the people themselves. It is by no means an easy book and I urge the reader to continue with it once started for there are many rewards to be found in this novel and by the end the mystery is clear and the truth is seen. The scene with the Mahons, Big Bucko and Aenghus will stay with me for a long time. "Mythic, lyrical and moving" indeed.
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