This is a book about place and loss by a truly beautiful writer who concerns himself primarily with the fascinating vicissitudes and weaknesses of the human mind and spirit. He examines our human failing in such a way that we can marvel at and ponder them. I generally prefer his short stories, but he needed a longer form to explore these events. It is interesting to note, however, that this is remarkably spare for a novel. The plot draws you in and, though unusual, could very well happen. From the title, there is the essence of a legend which he weaves in like a kind of chorus - the thoughts of the town. He also uses madness to suggest alternative versions of the story. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't say anything directly about the plot details. It concerns the formation of Ireland as an independent nation and what happens to those who had to move aside for this to happen. There is self-exile and self-denial based on the need to be forgiven or the inability to forgive oneself and there is pain from this that is visceral. The ability to forgive and find beauty is portrayed as secondary to loss yet it is more mysterious. Also, people who have voluntarily made personal sacrifices find peace. He manages to communicate an interesting concept that a piece of land and a house can take precedence in people's lives over the need for community or recognition of political boundaries. Also, the meaning in the story is in the details and small gestures and thoughts of the characters.

Wonderful bits to share from the final chapter- shouldn't give much away:

"Take from the forest its mystery and there is standing timber. Take from the sea its mystery and there is salted water."

"Her tranquility is their astonishment. For that they come, to be amazed again that such peace is there: all they have heard. and still hear now, does not record it. Calamity shaped a life when, long ago, chance was so cruel. Calamity shapes the story that is told, and is the reason for its being: is what they know, besides the gentle fruit of misfortune's harvest? They like to think so: she has sensed it that they do."

Perhaps he is telling a bit much here, but he does it in a such a poetic, succinct, and slightly mysterious way.