Description

Book Synopsis

The iconic debut novel by ''one of the greatest writers of our era'' (Hilary Mantel) and ''the Irish novelist everyone should read'' (Colm Tóibín).

Elizabeth Reegan, after years of freedom - and loneliness - marries into the enclosed Irish village of her upbringing. The children are not her own; her husband is straining to break free from the servile security of the police force; and her own life, threatened by illness, seems to be losing the last vestiges of its purpose. Moving between tragedy and savage comedy, desperation and joy, John McGahern''s first novel is one of haunting power.

''Marvellous.'' Susan Hill, Times
''Wise and compelling ... Elegiac and graceful.'' David Mitchell
''I have admired, even loved, John McGahern''s work since his first novel.'' Melvyn Bragg
''Reminds one of the young Joyce ... McGahern is the real thing.'' Spectator

The Barracks

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    A Paperback / softback by John McGahern

    £9.49

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    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 28 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Faber & Faber
      Published 5 June 2008
      ISBN-13 9780571225651
      978-0571225651
      ISBN-10 0571225659
      Also in:
      Fiction Contemporary Fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The iconic debut novel by ''one of the greatest writers of our era'' (Hilary Mantel) and ''the Irish novelist everyone should read'' (Colm Tóibín).

      Elizabeth Reegan, after years of freedom - and loneliness - marries into the enclosed Irish village of her upbringing. The children are not her own; her husband is straining to break free from the servile security of the police force; and her own life, threatened by illness, seems to be losing the last vestiges of its purpose. Moving between tragedy and savage comedy, desperation and joy, John McGahern''s first novel is one of haunting power.

      ''Marvellous.'' Susan Hill, Times
      ''Wise and compelling ... Elegiac and graceful.'' David Mitchell
      ''I have admired, even loved, John McGahern''s work since his first novel.'' Melvyn Bragg
      ''Reminds one of the young Joyce ... McGahern is the real thing.'' Spectator

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