John B. Keane Books

Exploring complex family dynamics, the narrative centers on Mikey's son Patrick, who visits with his new wife, sparking tension with Mikey's scheming brother Connie. As Connie attempts to undermine Patrick's marriage and Mikey's relationship with his brother Sonny, the situation escalates toward tragedy. The highest house on the mountain symbolizes a refuge for those weary of conflict, highlighting themes of familial strife and the struggle for connection amidst turmoil.

Moll is a hilarious and highly successful comedy about life in an Irish country presbytery.'When a presbytery gets a new housekeeper it becomes like a country that gets a change of government, or like a family that gets a new stepmother'. Moll Kettle would work for no less than a canon for, in her own words, 'Tis hard to come back to the plain black and white when one is used to the purple'.

The narratives explore complex family dynamics and personal struggles. In one story, a father's unexpected return after two decades disrupts his family's life. Another tale follows a woman's internal conflict between mending her marriage and embracing independence. Additionally, the tension between brothers and the father-son relationship is examined, highlighting the emotional challenges and choices faced by the characters. Each story delves into themes of identity, freedom, and familial bonds.

The collection showcases an array of remarkable characters and humorous anecdotes from the life of John B. Keane, reflecting his unique blend of compassion, shrewdness, and playful roguery. Celebrated as Ireland's beloved storyteller, Keane's folkloric imagination shines through in these tales, offering readers a delightful glimpse into the richness of human experiences. This tribute encapsulates the essence of his storytelling prowess, making it a captivating read for fans of Irish literature.

An Irish Christmas Feast John B. Keane lovingly portrays the Christmas dreams and aspirations of the Irish in gentler times in this superb collection. Full description

A saga of the struggle between hard-living farmers and the Church, this book is set in rural Ireland in the 1950s. "A story of passion and conflict that grips the reader from start to finish. A story of people driven to rebel. With its large cast of characters, The Bodhrán Makers is richly humorous in its telling of a tale that is both tragic and revealing." Back cover comments.

This edition includes new notes by Joanna Keane O'Flynn, an English teacher and the daughter of John B. Keane, enhancing its educational value. It is designed to be suitable for both Senior and Junior cycle classes, making it a versatile resource for students and educators alike.

A High Meadow is full of comedy, tragedy and melodrama, all centred around the village of Ballybobawn and Eddie Drannaghy, the ""Ram of God"" (a former trainee priest who was cynically seduced by the American wife of his cousin, fathered a child and was forced to leave the seminary), and his brothers Murt and Will. John B. Keane weaves an inimitable tapestry of rural people good and bad, weak and powerful; gardai, priests and travelers, and towering above them all the personality of the Ram of God.

A curated collection showcases the most humorous and memorable lines from John B. Keane's works, highlighting his unique wit and storytelling style. This selection reflects Keane's talent for capturing the essence of Irish life, blending humor with poignant observations. Readers can enjoy the author's signature charm and insight, making it a delightful read for both longtime fans and new audiences.