The experiences of two lads on an Ulster farm in the district where the Author lays nearly all his scenes. There are many clever studies of peasant types. The hero is an Englishman, an amusing character. The story of his unsuccessful love-affair with the “Poppy Charmer” is told by one of the lads familiar to us as Jan Farmer. There is no approach to anything objectionable in the book. Chapter XXI., “Our Distressful Country,” is good reading.
⸺ RING O’ RUSHES. Pp. 195. (Ward, Lock). 1s. 6d. (Chicago: Stone). 1.00. 1896.
A cycle of eleven stories dealing with various aspects of Ulster life in the neighbourhood of Lough Erne. In “His Magnificence” an enriched peasant returns to his native village and tries to show off his grandeur. “Her Soger Boy” recounts a mother’s innocent fraud and her soldier lad’s savage retaliation.—(Baker, 2).
⸺ THE BARRYS. Pp. 422. (Methuen). 1s. Full-sized cloth. 1899. (N.Y.: Doubleday). 1.25.
Book I. has its scene on Innishrath, an island in Lough Erne. Frank Barry, on a visit from London to his uncle, betrays a peasant girl named Nan. In Book II. we find Nan in London. She discovers Frank’s treachery. So does Frank’s wife, and the nemesis of his deeds overtakes him. But Nan finds consolation with her still faithful lover, Ted. A study in temperaments.
⸺ IRISH PASTORALS. Pp. 308. (Grant Richards). 6s. (N.Y.: McClure). 1.50. 1901.
A series of pictures—the Planters, the Turf-cutters, the Mowers, the Haymakers, the Reapers, the Diggers, &c.—forming an almost complete view of life among the rural classes in Co. Cavan. These pictures are the setting for country idylls, humorous, pathetic, or tragic. In all there is the actuality, the minute fidelity that can be attained only by one who has lived the life he describes and has the closest personal sympathy with the people. The descriptions of natural scenes, the weather, &c., are admirable.
⸺ THE SQUIREEN. Pp. 288. (Methuen). 1s. Cloth, full-sized. (N.Y.: McClure). 1.50. 1903.
A study of Ulster marriage customs. Jane Fallon is practically sold to the Squireen by her family, and, after long resistance, yields, and marries him. Tragic consequences follow. Most of the characters are Ulster Protestant peasants. “The Squireen” is a study of the old type of fox-hunting gentleman-farmer.