The Highest House on The Mountain

by John Brendan Keane

The Highest House on the Mountain examines the tension between brothers, fathers and sons. When Mikey's son Patrick comes to visit with his new wife, he is quickly followed by his brother Connie, a scheming ne’er-do-well who sets out to destroy Patrick’s marriage and Mikey’s bond with his brother Sonny. The only escape from the final tragedy is to the highest house on the mountain, where those who’ve had ‘enough of bitterness’ can take refuge.

130 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

John B Keane just writes women so well. He understands the depth of them. Set in rural Ireland in the 1960s. While the constant remarks about housework and womens place in the home irritated me, it was the times back then. Mikey the father was starved because he wouldn't cook for himself. Strong characters and dark themes throughout. Julie is a strong, tough role to play. A prostitute in England brought over to Ireland through romance and a connection with Mikeys son Patrick (recovering alcoholic). They become entwined in the family dynamics which leads to more dysfunction resulting in her secret going against her. lots of depth and its a window into a household in rural Ireland at the time.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two sons return home to their father's farm, they each bring grudges, dark secrets and shame on the family.

Keane's play is electric in its tension, but it is the honest portrayal of Irish rural life that will make this a classic.