Eugene McCabe again

Christ in the Fields by Eugene McCabe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I cannot understand why it has taken so long for me to learn about Eugene McCabe. He is truly extraordinary. This short volume, made up of a short story and two linked novellas, is Irish border country in the troubles of the 70s. It is about sectarian hatred and about occupation. It could be about the Balkans or the West Bank: its very particularity makes it universal. As I know I have said about Death and Nightingales, his ear for dialogue is terrific - at all levels of society, and all accents. His changes of viewpoint are skillful and completely convincing. Description (minimal) is to the point, precise, evocative. Please read him. I shall now hunt for more.



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