The Good People | BOOK THOUGHTS | APRIL 2020
I picked up this book last year in September from my local independent bookstore. I really fancied reading more fiction that was either based in Ireland or by an Irish writer. I saw the beautiful cover of 'Good People' by Hannah Kent with its gold foiling and turquoise green background, and it really intrigued me; just the cover. That's why book covers are very important.
The novel focuses on a recent widower, Nora Leahy and her care for her grandson Michael. Michael has some growth disabilities, however during the early 17th century the influence of magic and folklore especially in the rural areas of Ireland is seen as the explanation for Michael's 'cretinism'. Nora seeks help from a young girl from Annamore, Mary Clifford to help with the little boy. The significance of Mary's red hair and the discrimination she faces highlights how folklore is embedded within Irish folklore, and there are many. many layers to it. The novel is also significant with the female characters such as Nance Roche, Mary Clifford, Peg, Kate, Aine and Brigid. The cohort of characters that fill the pages of the novel highlight the community and rural living that was apparent in the pre-famine years of rural Ireland.
There is also a significant issue of magic and folklore versus the Catholic church, as there is constant dialogue between the Priest and Nance Roche, trying to renounce her away from the community and the church itself. I find the conflict of religion in Ireland fascinating and the boundaries that surround it, because there is always a conflict between religion and society in someway.
I really enjoyed the folklore and magic elements to this novel, but I really wish there was more. It has definitely intrigued me, and made me want to read more about folklore, especially Irish folklore.
I would recommend this book if you are fascinated by folklore or Irish fiction, and want an insight in to difference, betrayal, community, identity and superstition.
Happy Reading!
Rose x
The novel focuses on a recent widower, Nora Leahy and her care for her grandson Michael. Michael has some growth disabilities, however during the early 17th century the influence of magic and folklore especially in the rural areas of Ireland is seen as the explanation for Michael's 'cretinism'. Nora seeks help from a young girl from Annamore, Mary Clifford to help with the little boy. The significance of Mary's red hair and the discrimination she faces highlights how folklore is embedded within Irish folklore, and there are many. many layers to it. The novel is also significant with the female characters such as Nance Roche, Mary Clifford, Peg, Kate, Aine and Brigid. The cohort of characters that fill the pages of the novel highlight the community and rural living that was apparent in the pre-famine years of rural Ireland.
There is also a significant issue of magic and folklore versus the Catholic church, as there is constant dialogue between the Priest and Nance Roche, trying to renounce her away from the community and the church itself. I find the conflict of religion in Ireland fascinating and the boundaries that surround it, because there is always a conflict between religion and society in someway.
I really enjoyed the folklore and magic elements to this novel, but I really wish there was more. It has definitely intrigued me, and made me want to read more about folklore, especially Irish folklore.
I would recommend this book if you are fascinated by folklore or Irish fiction, and want an insight in to difference, betrayal, community, identity and superstition.
Happy Reading!
Rose x
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