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nwhyte's review
4.0
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2697905.html
One of those books that I really enjoyed reading, but can't quite explain why. The whole thing is told as flashback by the narrator, possibly undergoing psychiatric treatment; Gráinne is his former lover, his challenge and his inspiration for moving from a Middle England upbringing to creative heights inspired by Celtic myth; there is some social commentary along the way, but the real point is how the narrator/protagonist achieves his full creative powers through interaction with the entrancing Other.
I've seen a couple of reviewers stating that this is all about the relationship between Ireland and England. It's not really; it's driven by changing English perceptions of Ireland and Celtic heritage. And that's all right; but don't claim it for more than it is.
This won the BSFA Award for 1987.
One of those books that I really enjoyed reading, but can't quite explain why. The whole thing is told as flashback by the narrator, possibly undergoing psychiatric treatment; Gráinne is his former lover, his challenge and his inspiration for moving from a Middle England upbringing to creative heights inspired by Celtic myth; there is some social commentary along the way, but the real point is how the narrator/protagonist achieves his full creative powers through interaction with the entrancing Other.
I've seen a couple of reviewers stating that this is all about the relationship between Ireland and England. It's not really; it's driven by changing English perceptions of Ireland and Celtic heritage. And that's all right; but don't claim it for more than it is.
This won the BSFA Award for 1987.
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