REMINISCING - A Novella and other linked Irish Stories -

I am completely captivated. I've read through and including chapter six. Please tell me this is going to be published because not only do I want to read the whole book, but I want to read everything you've written!

I lived in Ireland for a year - studies at Trinity College Dublin. you not only made my mouth water for a pint, but you've captured the spirit and life or Ireland in these clips. Rough and raw and real. The dialect and tone of the dialogue, the interactions between people, the little details. It's all there and it's accurate and excellent.

I really do hope you are trying to get this published and please let me know if you do. One of the best things I've read in a long time.

Six starred and backed.

- Rena (Bunderful) author of Master of the Miracles

Cáit,
Reading these stories was a truly moving experience. This is the kind of story collection that I could see being taught at schools. The  themes of the Troubles and domestic violence work surprisingly well together to present a strong social commentary, showing as it does that horrors of the Troubles are no worse than the troubles within these Irish homes. All the senseless violence, (portrayed so succinctly, particularly in Peace of Mind) of the fighting with the Protestants seems even more senseless when we see a child being raped, as you tell in various stories, perhaps most bitingly in Emily. 
You interlaced a great deal of ambiance that gives the book a nostalgic element, along with a couple of cute little stories (Old Woman and Addiction, but also Johnny) which add a whimsical twist to the whole read.
Several of the stories that are snapshots of the same family, (Keedy and Rusty) gave me the feeling that I had just read a part of a novel; however, putting these images in short stories makes the experience very different.
The characters of Keedy, Rusty and their children are very well painted. She is in love with and in dread of her husband, who is both a wonderful father and wife beater. You made me cringe when he cut her hair, the insult as bad or worse than the pain of the beatings.
I also liked the way you tied the stories into a different genation and household with Emily. 
Your style is fantastic, and I have a very vivid, almost tactile memory of your descriptions. 
I noted just a couple of typos, although I found myself reading these wonderful stories very fluidly, so I may have missed some.
I have mixed feelings about the ending of Silent Tears. When I first read it I did not like how neat it was. The government and the church and the law all ignore her, but then the vigilante fix everything- and not only that, they also get her a pension. It seemed a bit of wish fulfillment, and a glorification of knee capping. Thinking back on it, having read the whole posting, I feel that, taken as a bit of a tongue-in-cheek allegory, it actually works. 
On the other hand, I felt that the ending of 8 (Carraig) was a bit sudden, seemed like a bit of an afterthought to a beautifully painted portrait.  
I want to make a final note to say how much I enjoyed Perfumed Water. Having small children, I feel very moved by convincing depictions of the child's manner of thinking.
All in all, I think this collection is a great success. Starred and backed!
Some comments as I read:
1
When I first read this story I was not particularly sure of what to make of this very sweet ending. In the context of the book as a whole, I think it is very successful. It is also, of course, very appropriate for the title. 
It had a sweet ending, although when I read it I felt that it did not feel like a full story. The loop of her emotions for him seems like a background to a foreground that Is not fleshed out. It is very moving to read and the ambiance is great, but I felt that more could be done. 
After the story of the castration by the vigilante, you say that the man never touched this girl again. On reading it, it seemed like an understatement- he probably didn't touch any woman again.
In the line that begins "An uneasiness prickles my chest..." I believe you missed the word "her" before "father"
"Aoife elbows Anúsca and noda" should be "nods"
2
Very cute.
3
This is an incredible story. I could not stop thinking about it as I lay in bed with my headcold. You do such an incredible job portraying Cushla's admiration for Bránagh and her unyielding sense of duty to the cause. 
4
:o)
5 
This story made me very emotional. I felt angry, at Andy and at the government and at the Church, but also at her. It reads like s kafkan fable, and is a very effective social critique. I found the ending, in a sense, too easy, too neat a way to get rid of her troubles. I was frankly not sure whether your glorification of the vigilante was a bit tongue-in-cheek or not. He is this terrible man and he gets what he deserves, but it is still barbaric. I have never lived in a war zone (not too close, anyway), and I get the feeling from In The Darkness and this one that being around the violence of war makes these solutions much more palatable. In any event, the story was emotive and a great success. 

6 Could not help laughing at the end at her vindictiveness. Very good.

7 Very well written portrait. You make these images that really stick with me. 
8. I find this a very readable, enjoyable story, but I found the end too short, too surprising a twist.
9 LOVED this. What a fabulous portrayal of the young boy!
10 This is a fantastically well crafted story. You built in me this deep need for Claddagh to get the doll, so deep, that when that desire is used by Packey John I felt personally betrayed. 

11
Fabulous romantic story about the beginning of the relationship between Keedy and Rusty   
12
I think this is one of my favorite ones. It is your ability to make Rusty such a great father and then such a monster. You make me as conflicted as Keedy must feel. 

13 It is surprisingly nice to get more stories about this twisted couple. You describe her resentment and frustration very well, and the little toddler in the room is a great touch.
 

14
"Although Keedy never say it to her niece," should be "said"
"Other men drink and they rape or don't knock their wives about." you mean they don't rape, right?
I enjoyed this chatty story as a continuation of the Keedy and Rusty story. 

Please do let me know if you post more!
Best,
Maeve

I hadn't intended to read them all. I have a WL sooooooo long, but once I started I just had to keep going. Like you said, not warm and fuzzy at all. And, tbh, quite a culture shock for an Aussie Protestant.

The first was bitter-sweet and I'm sure will touch a chord with a lot of middle aged women, wondering... Old Woman was Clever.

The Dairy Famer ... this is the one I found most vivid, and I felt most for the characters. Silent Tears made me angry; the male reactions were appalling. It's sad to think thing sort of thing could have gone on. Addiction made me chuckle.

Keedy's stories are quite horrific; I find her acceptance of the way things are is tragic for her and everyone else. Her husband is a total pig. Like I said, I started and couldn't stop.

Not pleasurable reading, but vivid and very real. Best of luck with this collection.

Cait:
I saw your book on Gerald Hansen's shelf and read, in one sitting, all you have posted. It is excellent. I was thinking about your well-drawn characters, and the life and societal issues their stories revolve around, for days. The disgusting marital rape scene was very well done and, quite literally, made me cringe. You enveloped me in the intense world of these people with all of its good things; but also the social and family tensions and damage caused by alcohol, violence, sexual abuse, and incest.

I am old enough to remember the days when desperate women frequently died because they resorted to do-it -yourself abortions, or turned to an illegal "backstreet abortionist" who would "help" them end unplanned pregnancies they did not want and could not afford. Your writing, ( and in particular, the depiction the suffocating control of women during that time by the tin-eared Church which forbade them control of their fertility) affected my emotions in the same way as the work of Frank McCourt , DH Lawrence, and the stories of Kate Chopin.

You made me care about your characters, and that is one of the hallmarks of worthwhile fiction. My background is as an historian and I write non-fiction, so I always expect to learn something as well as be entertained when I read. Like Gerald, you gave me insight into the darker aspects of Irish culture, and, as part of the (English, Welsh and American) Irish diaspora, I think it helps me to understand not only the Irish, but myself. There is an intimacy with everyday desperation, and a poignancy and honesty about it that resonates within my soul. I have told Gerald how much I like your work and how, like his own, it helps me understand what is happening in Northern Ireland. The betrayal by kin involved in the ambush of the lovely farmer left me with tears in my eyes. I don't cry easily!
love,
Maddiexx

I read the linked stories 13, 'Sexual Obligations', and 14 'Attempted Termination'.

You write authentic dialogue with direct honesty, and the tragedy of Keedy's life is presented in an unflinching way. Both stories, however, were leavened with wit and irony; I particularly liked the idea of 'praying mantises' in 13 - and the wonderful imagery of the washed Durexes hanging on the "clothes line loaded with wet rubber pixiecaps".

I felt that, at times, of 'Sexual Obligations', that the dialogue between Keedy and Una didn't quite work for me, as it strained in parts to make the relevant socio-political point you had in mind.

But the powerful, sympathetic image of Keedy baptising her premature baby in 'Attempted Termination' will stay with me - and remind me why this book is on my bookshelf, and why it will stay there.

You are a very good writer, Cait. Have you tried to present this to the smaller, more independent publishers? Harper Collins seem to go for high-slaughtered body-count stories, or those of the beautiful-people bonking kind, rather than the type of work you present here.

I am going to read all of these chapters in time, and will offer more comments in due course. Good luck with this.

Colin Neville

I read Rusty and Keedy finding both interesting well written. You handled the subjects of excessive drinking and forbidden contraception well. You didn't knock the religious reasoning or belief but you managed to show both sides of it especially during that time period. You also showed that the person inside of an alcoholic is not entirely mean spirited; however, when they are liquored up they can be unlivable. Excellent delivery and interesting characters.

Cait,

Ireland has produced many gifted short story writers, and with this collection you join the highest rank. I read them over several days - each session eagerly anticipated. From the off there was never any doubt in my mind that I would read them all. I couldn't fault the dialogue and the conflict held my interest. Each ended at the right point and the final twists to 12 and 17 were masterful. Six stars.

Camac Johnson
Hemingway Quest

Hi Cait,
wonderfully atmospheric stories. I read chps 9 and 12.
You have a great ear for dialogue and you're brilliant at detail, the polished pub tables, the different beers, ash spilling over the edge of a saucer.
I like the interplay of politics, love and pub culture here, it works well and feels very Irish without being twee or stereotyped. I think the humour is very important in this mix and that comes across well too. Gentle but omnipresent!
Niggles?
I wasn't sure which stories were meant to be stand-alone (if any), so it made it hard to judge. Chp 9, The Brawl read more like a funny scene in a novel, it didn't really have a short story structure with a satisfying ending. Chapter 12 read more like a short story, but I felt it suffered during the middle, which needed to be edited a little more. The ending was beautiful though, very moving.
For the purposes of Authonomy, perhaps make it clear which are the standalone short stories in your Contents page.
All the best with this, it was a very enjoyable read.
Highly starred by me.
Sharda.
http://www.authonomy.com/books/42835/mr-unusually-s-circus-of-dreams/

Reminiscing is a wonderful collection of short stories, highly original and refreshingly different. Abortion left me with goosebumps. The writing throughout the chapters is impressive and I couldn't spot a single flaw. I love the way some of the stories connect and particularly like Keedy as a character. There is a strong sense of scene, truly authentic.
Best of luck with the book.
Melissa
Lessons in the Dark

Cait,

I've dipped in and out of Reminiscing for over a week. It a very strong, compelling book. I am from Belfast and a lot of the situations in the book were common place here only a few generations ago - namely the shocking abortions seen in chapter 14.
You have touched on so many sensitive issues alcoholism, domestic violence, rape, abortion, child abuse and even the troubles. Every issue is written so descriptively and powerfully that it condured up emotion even in me.
I loved how the stories linked together through Emily this was very clever.
This is a raw and gritty read and a change from the often romanticised stories from Ireland that the world of literature is infilitrated with,
Top stars from me

Jayne (jgas78)

Vivid and compelling. Backed.

Words are the gift of the mind to the soul. What would our poor souls do if they had not words to use to tell their stories?

Ah, Cait! Did these things really happen to you? If they didn't, how could you write about them so authentically?

Hi Cait ...

Phew ... this is pretty powerful writing. I had to look to see if this was HC true. The characters are well defined and story line is well written. One can only sympathise with Keedy she has a truly horrible life. Backed and rated. Regards ... Duncan.

I only read the first chapter. A lot of women will understand your love for this man because they married the same type guy. They are always sorry after beat you senseless, but they will do it again. The drink is just an excuse. Me and my friends drank pretty good in our twenties and thirties and did some crazy things. None of us beat a woman. Women who think this is love is hard to understand. Maybe that is what youi need to tell us. However, I have concentrated only on your writing style and narrative and you did a good job creating the atmosphere of Irish life in working class Ireland and you prose flows well. There were some confusion with a few local slang phrases, but I got the general idea. There is a part in my book of Irish Americans living in a section called the Devil's Pocket you may like. I think your book has the potential to reach a lot of women. Good luck with it.

I read the fifth story, Abortion. I thought it was the most powerful piece I've read so far on authonomy - such fraught subjects handled so skilfully. I was most impressed with the control you had over the language while describing such violent scenes, rendered with great details. Rusty is so dreadful, but he always seems dangerous and real, he never veers towards being over-the-top or cartoonish. And Keedy is a great charcter, tragic and complex.
Overall, I think it's excellent. Six stars.
Andrew.

Reminiscing. Your pitches are perfect, and I'm finding it difficult to choose, so I'll just start from the beginning.

Ch.1. You draw the reader in immediately to Keely's viewpoint, then suddenly everything changes with the authorial description of the attack on her! Might it be less disconcerting if the scene was played through Keely's viewpoint>
What a poignant story, with a circular ending, and such a telling title - For Better for Worse.

Ch.2. The calm before the Storm. a sequel. And the action exactly as it says in the title.

Ch.3. Poor Keely - what a life - told with empathy.

Ch.4. This is really one story... a treasure of a story. So obviously true, so tragic.

Brilliantly written.
Jane. Breath of Africa.

Cait
I browsed through Reminiscing and landed on 'Star Crossed Love' . I liked the way Claddagh is totally absorbed in a world of abandonment in the wheat field and then is interrupted by her mother. The "O Shite" contrasts brilliantly with the ethereal intensity of the remembered passion. Reminded me of DH Lawrence 'Sons and Lovers'. Some very nice touches in a story that deals with a highly charged subject.

Paul
Dead Moon Rising

EXCELLENT

Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cait, I've had your stories on my w/l since I joined the site a few weeks and have just started reading them. They're completely wonderful and deserve to find as many readers as possible.

All the very best

K J

well done. you do capture the nature of the land. and i agree, reminiscing is usually bittersweet. you have received some really well-deserved comments below, and i echo them...
j
what every woman should know

I read the story of Emily.
It was very touching.
You captured the disappointment, sadness, and shame of the little girl, Claddagh so well. I felt for her and felt sympathy for her when she thought she lost the doll. What's worse, in the end, her brother-in-law abused her knowing they already had the doll for her. And this child will probably spend her childhood believing she let this man touch her and himself for a gift from Santa Claus. It was very realistic, the scenes and her thoughts.
You were very descriptive, I had a vivid image of the setting and what took place.

-Aliah
Her Demise

Reminiscing
I read two stories from this collection: Old Woman and The Cramp. Old Woman is precious; there’s nothing for a reader to do at the end but laugh. The Cramp is excellent in the way it makes marriage sound like a trap. I really wanted Keedy to do something about her marriage at the end, though (at least pour that tea on top of him). Because it evoked such a strong reaction in me, tho, lets you know how well written it is. I’m adding this to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Dear Cait

I have read the first seven of your stories in this collection and cannot fault them. Nothing to say, except, brilliant, visceral writing. I want to stop, but find that difficult. I am coming back for more, and in the meantime offer you top marks, as well as a place on my WL.

All the best

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped" :-)

Wow, nicely done! I've only read the first, but I really am impressed with the flavor overall, and how nicely you weave dialog and description together. You paint a nice picture. You also present us with conflicting characters which adds an important dimension to the tale. Keep up the good work!
-- Tod Schneider
The Lost Wink

Scott

Jan 28th 2012

My goodness, Scott, you sure are a fast reader.... On the site for only six days and already you've read, and commented on almost ninety books!?

Will check out The Chimera Factor.

Cáit

Great book! Excellently written. You did a very good job at coming up with a good concept and a good story! Highly Starred. I'd have to say my favorite short story would have to be in chapter 4. Very good short story,
Thanks,
Scott

Hi Cáit, Have read the remainder of your stories and still like Peace of Mind best.
My second is Sexual Obligations - the philosophic/practical conversation between the two women came over well.
Third was The Termination, and its deep insight and even deeper emotional outpouring. Just a thought here. You have a line where which is repeated from an earlier story,'pinned her head to the spring mattress...' Maybe retain the wording in this story (It has been published so people value it) and maybe change the wording in the other one, unless these are stand alone stories.

Have you toyed with the idea of making the The Keedy stories into one?
My fourth (or could be second) is Star Crossed Love. There are unwritten implications here which the reader can only think may happen in the future/next day.
The Cramp had a good 'carry on' from the previous story.

Keedy. Chap 11.
'Her husband Rusty'...where his mother/her mother in law lived (maybe).
'Life is good' Was good?
'Ancient stone bridge to FAR side indicates (to me) that the other side is a long way off. opposite shore, maybe.
'Throw his dinner.' Thrown his dinner.
Maybe, 'Keedy thought he was going to choke her to death.'
'He wouldn't listen (omit: to her) maybe.
I like the term; snot-green walls, tells the reader a lot more than just the colour.
I pointed this out before, too many chortles unless stand alone stories but in an anthology repetative.
So, Cáit, good luck with them all.
Chris

ps I think now that Peace of mind and Star-Crossed Love are in the same (I don't know the word) but they compliment each other.

I read the story of a little girl who wishes for a doll called Emily for Christmas.

To be honest, I was lulled into thinking it was going to be a lovely tale of childhood happiness. But I forgot it was Irish! I was soon slapped in the face by reality, and then gripped by great writing and storytelling.

If all your stories and prose are this good, I shall have to come back for more.

Will put this on my shelf as soon as there's room.

Good luck!
Diana
Pascual's Birthday

Quite simply wonderful. I am in awe of your talent.

David

I'm rarely disappointed when I pick up a book by an Irish writer and this set of short stories is no exception. Have to back it. Lara
A RELATIVE LOSS

Hi Cait, I read three of the stories and they flew along, so vivid and fascinating in the character turns. The flow of dialogue and the slipped-in detail make for scenes that feel viewed.

In the Darkness – this theme with the politics infused at the reunion has bite and bounce. It’s interesting and subtle while the final closeness of the old lovers resounds, especially the last line. Liked “Virginity is like a bubble…..” very poignant and clever lines there. “He’s warm and welcoming” coming after the description - good sentence variety and strong in conclusion.

Old Woman – Excellent! Love the detail and its mounting to the last grin.

Silent Tears - Besides the convincing delicacy and confrontations in the dialogue, you’ve given many feeling details. Realism has its story hopes and emotions here, the child’s possible removal from the home, the mother’s desperation to solve the problem, her persistence.

I'll be shelving the collection in the next few days when space opens up. And I hope to find time for reading more. These are very satisfying, well-crafted stories. Katherine

I love the realism of these stories Cait and the Irishnesss makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up (my mother 's family emigrated to Australia from Cork when she was 18.) Many are sad, sad stories of religious and gender oppression that need to be told. It's refreshing to read something with such a depth of observation and tragedy not in the grand way of kings but small domestic tragedy that is nonetheless profound. Am keeping my shelf intact at the moment but have you standing by.
Best of luck,
Victoria

Ah, pull down a story on me, ya good thing! And you have pulled down a load of absolute crackers here, Cáit. I love your trademark punch line. Anne Enright with a political awareness, Edna O'Brien de nos jours - go, girl! I can recommend an Irish agent if you feel you're ready [I feel you are]. Chapter 5 had me frothing at the mouth with rage - it's all so true - and have things changed? I wonder. I like the northern slant too, unknown territory to me, and an added menacing dimension. Go maith! 6 stars and it has to be on the shelf today, even though I love the books up there like a mother... we should be allowed a special shelf just for the Irish books...

Decided to read this after seeing it on Colin Neville's shelf. He's a great writer with a real eye for good stuff on here, and he has hown that once again by backing your work.
These stories are very authentic. Touching, funny and moving.
This si writing in the great tradition of the best Irish writers, and i'd love to read anything else you post on here. Short stories are harder than novels in some way, but it's an art you seem to have mastered. I've given this very high stars and will keep it on my WL.
Very well done,. i'm really pleased i got the chance to read your stuff.

As usual Cait's words grab the reader from the word go.

Loved the different stories, captivating I found myself laughing out loud in parts.

I've been telling Cait to upload her stories on a major site for ages. People are crying out for stories that are exceptionally well written.

I hope Johnny's gets scabs on it too! lol
Mel and Lorne. ;-)
xx

I am not one for short-stories but these are very interesting. You have a great voice and interesting characters. Great variety and an unique style. I give this 6 stars. Best of luck on reaching the Editor's Desk and getting published. I will be back for more when I can.

Auna June
Catalaysia: The Curse of Five

Hi Cait
I very much enjoyed reading eight of your stories in this collection and enjoyed all of them for different reasons. The ones having to do with the Troubles I found edgy, disturbing and sad. There were at least a couple with surprises that I appreciated. The ones dealing with "traditional Ireland" and its ways I found very atmospheric. Throughout, alongside the sadness or tragedy, there was a typically Irish off-the-wall quality that underlined paradox or generated humour.
I would say that these stories display a masterful touch. I can think of no way that you could improve them. When I get an opportunity, I will put "Reminiscing" on my shelf. For now, highly starred and watchlisted.
Blessings
Father Ambrose
"The Holy Innocents"

Cáit,
I read your new story, Divided Loyalties, with a true sense of horror and sadness. War is indeed hell. Your descriptions are disturbing and vivid, and like your other stories, it resonates with me.
I am glad you have one from the perspective of an Enlglish soldier, and of his recognition of the terrible things that people can do in war.
I think this is a fabulous addition.
I will say that I felt that you could have made Caddagh more than just a name, maybe give us a glimpse at their relationship. He being black would make it even more strained. And so, by extension, I felt that the ending came too fast. Part of me wanted to see development in this story- will he continue his relationship, or will the strain be too much? Will he be shot by his comrades or blown up by the IRA, will life be normal for them.
Whether or not you decide to expand this story, it is a brilliant addition to this amazing collection.
Best,
Maeve

Hi Cáite,
I re-read chapters 1-10 and these notes are based on what I believe are relevant points. Please bear in mind that this is my first review on Authonomy and, having read readers comments on your stories, feel I may be on the wrong track. However, here goes.
Your short Pitch was spot on, the stories are very dark/raw. For me too many at once, as eventually I began to imagine everything Irish was like that and, because I have spent time there I know that this is untrue. But that's just me. I like some ups and downs to balance things out. However, the name of the game is to offer some useful feedback. I like your style and the crafting of the stories, especially with the 'punchline' endings.

In The Darkness.
Second and Third sentences - repeat 'look likes.' If this is your style I apologise.
I thought we were in Northern Ireland as people were 'quaffing Porter.' then you mentioned that the Pub was in the Free State. Is the Free State the Republic? If so was Porter sold across the Border?
Strange conversation between two people who had not met for years. 'I have a brother in Toronto.' Followed by a quick jump Toronto to Van. (I was in Van a couple of weeks ago. The Irish Pub at the bottom of Gas Street has gone).

Old Woman.
Was expecting more, don't know what. What you have written I like.

Peace of Mind.
For me, this is the best of the ten. A well timed and unexpected ending.

Addiction.
Can empathise with this one. There is a nude bathing beach a little further on from Spanish Banks. One day...

Silent Tears.
Well written. Maybe a different situation today as many Child Protection Agencies are in the business of self-protection. The child still comes second.

Johnny.
Writing okay. Lovely ending. Again, seems to be something missing.

Walls.
Being a bit picky here but at a formal meeting between a Psychologist and Client there should be a Psychologist led introductory start to the session, only brief but one which establishes the Psychologist's position. After finishing the read maybe Anna should be seeing a Psychiatrist or a Psychotherapist, dependent on who made the referral. I wouldn't place personal photos on view. Most sessions are held in a neutral room. However, small points as the story soon picks up and forces the reader to imagine Anna's situation.

Carraig.
His Special-Needs brother. Is that how he sees him? Maybe describe Roan within the sentences at the start of the next para. Mother's description could be more emotional.
They sat with one leg crossed...All the men or just one?
had a big problem with Dehaan as I thought it another Irish name and if so would know what a Bodhran was. later I assumed that his was a Dutch name and he was introduced solely to introduce exposition/explanation of Bodhran. You don't need this as you explain perfectly well later.
I found the story a little unfocussed. For me, too many people who do little to advance the story.

Perfumed Water.
Touching. Childhood memories/associations?

Emily.
I understand what you are writing about but it seems to lack structure, rambles on a bit and gets away from the important interactions.

General.
Some of your readers suggest that you extend your word count. Personally, I think you have taken a courageous step which shows an independence to write as YOU want to, which is great..
It may worth thinking ahead in relation to offers/requests from Publishers/Agents. They may regard your collection in International terms so maybe have a few light stories to slip in here and there. My experience is that there is lots of humour in Ireland.
I will keep on until the end. Really looking forward to the fun ones. I had a book for Christmas about a guy who hitch-hikes around Ireland with a Fridge. That should balance things up.
Chris
PS. I can't seem to be able to cut a paste to the comments box so I have had to type this twice. Is there another method?

Hello Cait,
I read 3, 5 and 7.
Very impressive writing. I admire the brevity and power. When I came to the last few paragraphs of each I was feeling a sense of loss that they would be over as well as slowing dowm to let each word hit home.
If I'm honest I'm one of those second gen Irish that have to be frogmarched to books like Angela's Ashes - the missis threatened all sorts of things if I didn't read it - and I can't nail down the reason why but I think some of it is shame and the rose tinted specs. I was half hoping these stories would be too bleak and miserable. But a good story always works and you have plenty here.
I'm sorry I can't offer anything constructive in the way of criticism. For a collection of short stories about a particular part of the world and its recent history these are excellent and worthy of admiration.
All The Best! Highly starred and on WL.
John

Jan 2, 2012

AuroraNemesis wrote 1 hour ago [reply] [delete]

In your first chapter about the protagonists Mother. This left me with a question that needed answering, and an interest in finding n answer.
The story flows well and I do not really want to talk about editing, what I find important is the read. Does the story word? The answer is yes.
Are the characters convincing? Again, the answer is yes, they are colourful and full of life. Fitting well in the scenes, you have placed them in.
The dialogue is crisp and adds to the plot. Leading the read
The big question is would I buy this book. Yes, I would and I would encourage you to keep on with this book and get it out there.
Well done.
~~~~~~~~~
Alas, unfortunately, the comment above seems to be meant for another story, 'Secrets We Keep', by Gail Cleare, and not mine.

Ah, well, you win some, you lose some.

Cáit :o]

What a fantastic writing style you have. I love your stories and this work needs no editing. Its excellent.
6* and backed

Karen 19
The Way Things Are

Hi Cait,
I thought I'd return the read and I'm glad I did. I read the first three stories and they were fantastic - especially the third one. The ending was a very clever twist - I expected the girl to maybe have him set up, but the way you took it a step further really caught me off guard. You really know how to tell a story and I will definitely be reading further. This is definitely worthy of publication and I hope to one day see it on the shelf of a book shop.

Cáit,
Reading these stories was a truly moving experience. This is the kind of story collection that I could see being taught at schools. The  themes of the Troubles and domestic violence work surprisingly well together to present a strong social commentary, showing as it does that horrors of the Troubles are no worse than the troubles within these Irish homes. All the senseless violence, (portrayed so succinctly, particularly in Peace of Mind) of the fighting with the Protestants seems even more senseless when we see a child being raped, as you tell in various stories, perhaps most bitingly in Emily. 
You interlaced a great deal of ambiance that gives the book a nostalgic element, along with a couple of cute little stories (Old Woman and Addiction, but also Johnny) which add a whimsical twist to the whole read.
Several of the stories that are snapshots of the same family, (Keedy and Rusty) gave me the feeling that I had just read a part of a novel; however, putting these images in short stories makes the experience very different.
The characters of Keedy, Rusty and their children are very well painted. She is in love with and in dread of her husband, who is both a wonderful father and wife beater. You made me cringe when he cut her hair, the insult as bad or worse than the pain of the beatings.
I also liked the way you tied the stories into a different genation and household with Emily. 
Your style is fantastic, and I have a very vivid, almost tactile memory of your descriptions. 
I noted just a couple of typos, although I found myself reading these wonderful stories very fluidly, so I may have missed some.
I have mixed feelings about the ending of Silent Tears. When I first read it I did not like how neat it was. The government and the church and the law all ignore her, but then the vigilante fix everything- and not only that, they also get her a pension. It seemed a bit of wish fulfillment, and a glorification of knee capping. Thinking back on it, having read the whole posting, I feel that, taken as a bit of a tongue-in-cheek allegory, it actually works. 
On the other hand, I felt that the ending of 8 (Carraig) was a bit sudden, seemed like a bit of an afterthought to a beautifully painted portrait.  
I want to make a final note to say how much I enjoyed Perfumed Water. Having small children, I feel very moved by convincing depictions of the child's manner of thinking.
All in all, I think this collection is a great success. Starred and backed!
Some comments as I read:
1
When I first read this story I was not particularly sure of what to make of this very sweet ending. In the context of the book as a whole, I think it is very successful. It is also, of course, very appropriate for the title. 
It had a sweet ending, although when I read it I felt that it did not feel like a full story. The loop of her emotions for him seems like a background to a foreground that Is not fleshed out. It is very moving to read and the ambiance is great, but I felt that more could be done. 
After the story of the castration by the vigilante, you say that the man never touched this girl again. On reading it, it seemed like an understatement- he probably didn't touch any woman again.
In the line that begins "An uneasiness prickles my chest..." I believe you missed the word "her" before "father"
"Aoife elbows Anúsca and noda" should be "nods"
2
Very cute.
3
This is an incredible story. I could not stop thinking about it as I lay in bed with my headcold. You do such an incredible job portraying Cushla's admiration for Bránagh and her unyielding sense of duty to the cause. 
4
:o)
5 
This story made me very emotional. I felt angry, at Andy and at the government and at the Church, but also at her. It reads like s kafkan fable, and is a very effective social critique. I found the ending, in a sense, too easy, too neat a way to get rid of her troubles. I was frankly not sure whether your glorification of the vigilante was a bit tongue-in-cheek or not. He is this terrible man and he gets what he deserves, but it is still barbaric. I have never lived in a war zone (not too close, anyway), and I get the feeling from In The Darkness and this one that being around the violence of war makes these solutions much more palatable. In any event, the story was emotive and a great success. 

6 Could not help laughing at the end at her vindictiveness. Very good.

7 Very well written portrait. You make these images that really stick with me. 
8. I find this a very readable, enjoyable story, but I found the end too short, too surprising a twist.
9 LOVED this. What a fabulous portrayal of the young boy!
10 This is a fantastically well crafted story. You built in me this deep need for Claddagh to get the doll, so deep, that when that desire is used by Packey John I felt personally betrayed. 

11
Fabulous romantic story about the beginning of the relationship between Keedy and Rusty   
12
I think this is one of my favorite ones. It is your ability to make Rusty such a great father and then such a monster. You make me as conflicted as Keedy must feel. 

13 It is surprisingly nice to get more stories about this twisted couple. You describe her resentment and frustration very well, and the little toddler in the room is a great touch.
 

14
"Although Keedy never say it to her niece," should be "said"
"Other men drink and they rape or don't knock their wives about." you mean they don't rape, right?
I enjoyed this chatty story as a continuation of the Keedy and Rusty story. 

Please do let me know if you post more!
Best,
Maeve

What a superb collection of stories I have read 3 so far and am enjoying your style, I am putting it on my watchlist and giving it 6 stars.This is one book that i will definitely finish.

Dave Hill

SEE-SAW

Addiction is a bit close to the bone!

I started to read these stories out of tribal loyalty. I've read a half a dozen so far and I am pleased and relieved to be able to say I enjoyed them a lot. I love the dialogue, it's true and it flows beautifully. I'm not sure the sensitive British soul would be disturbed by your stories, in fact they present a picture of Irish society they rather cling to. I'll let you know how I find the book as a whole when I've finished it.
Jane
(Are you from Donegal or Buncrana?)

A great snapshot of history and a fine vibrant description of a merry knees-up in the bar. Excellent descriptions even down to the escape route next door. As I have an Irish ancestory I find this story close to home and very 'real'. You have certainly set the scene well with a great twist towards the end (Emmet's blindness). They will meet again, I can be sure of that. I love the dialogue, authentic and captivating and I hope the description of Aoife covered head to toe in blood-red is not a premonition of things to come. The politics are spot on from the kneecapping of rapists and drug-dealers to the impact of American policies. I loved it, it showed Erin as clued up and ready to take anyone on and why not? England used it as a pantry since the 1100s. Well written and well backed. The only problem you might face Cait is agents who like middle-class English stories they can cast Hugh Grant in when the film comes along.

Cait, you from Donegal or Ballyshannon?

What an emotional roller coaster. well written and quite riveting, I read it all and immediately shelved it, :)
Sheila

Jesus... Just read the final story. Dark stuff indeed. Excellent Cait. On my shelf.
Sheila

Cait:
I saw your book on Gerald Hansen's shelf and read, in one sitting, all you have posted. It is excellent. I was thinking about your well-drawn characters, and the life and societal issues their stories revolve around, for days. The disgusting marital rape scene was very well done and, quite literally, made me cringe. You enveloped me in the intense world of these people with all of its good things; but also the social and family tensions and damage caused by alcohol, violence, sexual abuse, and incest.

I am old enough to remember the days when desperate women frequently died because they resorted to do-it -yourself abortions, or turned to an illegal "backstreet abortionist" who would "help" them end unplanned pregnancies they did not want and could not afford. Your writing, ( and in particular, the depiction the suffocating control of women during that time by the tin-eared Church which forbade them control of their fertility) affected my emotions in the same way as the work of Frank McCourt , DH Lawrence, and the stories of Kate Chopin.

You made me care about your characters, and that is one of the hallmarks of worthwhile fiction. My background is as an historian and I write non-fiction, so I always expect to learn something as well as be entertained when I read. Like Gerald, you gave me insight into the darker aspects of Irish culture, and, as part of the (English, Welsh and American) Irish diaspora, I think it helps me to understand not only the Irish, but myself. There is an intimacy with everyday desperation, and a poignancy and honesty about it that resonates within my soul. I have told Gerald how much I like your work and how, like his own, it helps me understand what is happening in Northern Ireland. The betrayal by kin involved in the ambush of the lovely farmer left me with tears in my eyes. I don't cry easily!
love,
Maddiexx

Hi Cáit,

I love to read the work of other Irish writers and I certainly wasn’t disappointed when I read the termination. I thought it was a very powerful piece of writing. The ye aul Irish dialogue was very true to the time and I could almost hear the friends speaking out loud in the opening paragraphs.

The story reminds me a lot of Deirdre Purcell’s Falling for a Dancer. I think you have done an equally good job of capturing a woman’s hardship during the era.

Such a strong sense of poignancy and mixed emotion in the final scene. Wonderful writing.

If all the other short stories are of this quality I look forward to reading them all.

Janny,