Synopsis
This is a historical novel, the subject matter being the absolute and sincere truth, refers to Land disputes - From the time the Landlords decided to bare their teeth, and to the local history of certain localities, together with local folklore, up to time of the Black and Tans.Peadar Mac Domhnaill 1937.Beginning in 1840’s rural Ireland, against a backdrop of tenant workers and English Landlords, this novel offers a unique insight into the lives and customs of 19th century Ireland embroiled in a tale of murder, deceit and treachery.
We are first brought along the excitement of a small town wedding and gain insight into the customs and practises of the day, some semblance of many are still common today, all the while being entertained by the antics of locals and guests of the wedding.
As the story unfolds, different characters within the book tell their own stories and legends bringing to light many tales, folklore and superstitions of the era.
Alas, the yoke of the Landlords and occupation begin to bear down on the tale darkening the days extinguishing life. We see too how cruelty was not always the fault or intention of the ruling classes, and indeed sometimes the most cruel acts are borne out from those closer to home.
Originally written in Irish in 1927, thanks to a careful and loving translation, this novel retains the flavour and charm of its original language. At the time of writing this novel, there was an effort being made across schools in Ireland to collect and record traditional stories and folklore in their original language in an attempt to preserve both the lore and the language.
This delightful novel will have you smelling fresh cut hay and peat fires as you turn it’s pages.
INTRODUCTION by the Author Peadar Mac Domhnaill – 1937
This is what has stayed in my memory:
On a pleasant sunny evening, on a fair day, at the end of July 1844, as clear as if I was looking at her right at this moment, I see my mother, bless her, at the shallow tub near the door, when suddenly a frightening noise echoed from the knocking on the door of the Blacksmith’s house, who was out, followed by the wild shouts of four savage men.
We hurried into the house. The malicious attack continued for half an hour. Showers of stones were hailing towards the door of that house and the savage men screaming abusive language, shamefully cursing like the dickens. The only words I could catch were:
“Who kill’t Clowry?”
I didn’t understand the meaning of the phrase, until many cold long years passed. If you, my dear reader, have no objection, I will attempt to tell you the whole story, from beginning to end, but on one condition, which is, that I undertake to write the truth about the circumstances of this pitiable story, without adding or taking from it.
For that reason, it is important that everyone understand, place names may be changed in the following pages.
The characters mentioned in the book are deceased, except for the author.
To be totally accurate about my information, I researched carefully newspaper reports of that time which carried accounts of the deaths of the people who were murdered. From the time Father Seamas was done away with, God rest his soul, may he be praised always, to the rising up of the righteous who take revenge and absolute vengeance on the perpetrators.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
