[close] This book is a considerable literary achievement and must be admired for both its formidable textuality and the richness of its stories. The book, a series of four linked novellas, is a journey through several periods in Irish history. O'Keeffe, a writer of astounding magnitude, is able to make Ireland and her people come alive with sympathetic vigor and admirable candor. It is difficult to write a book that shows the linkages of history and culture without being pretentious and without preaching, but O'Keeffe does it. This is a book of great significance. [close]