The colony

More about the book

In 1979, amidst escalating violence in Ireland, two outsiders journey to a small island off the west coast, seeking personal revelations at the potential expense of the island's inhabitants. An English painter, Mr. Lloyd, opts for a currach to reach the island, craving an authentic experience that will inspire his art, despite his discomfort with the sea. Unbeknownst to him, a Frenchman, Jean-Pierre Masson, closely follows. Having visited the island for years, he studies the local language and fiercely guards the islanders' isolation, believing it vital for his theories on language preservation and identity. However, the island's residents—ranging from great-grandmother Bean Uí Fhloinn to widowed Mairéad and fifteen-year-old James, who wishes to escape a life of fishing—hold their own perspectives on what should be documented and what should be reciprocated. As summer unfolds, they grapple with their values and desires against a backdrop of national turmoil. This narrative intricately explores character and setting, delving into the quest for identity and the political ramifications of imperialism, ultimately celebrating beauty and connection while confronting the inevitable challenges of independence.