La oscuridad. (The Dark)
Reviewed by Jessica Bermúdez -- Críticas, 5/15/2008
McGahern, John.
tr. by Mariano García. Argentina: Adriana Hidalgo Editora. 2008. 258p. ISBN 978-987-1156-77-1. pap. $12. FICTION
Leading Irish writer McGahern (1934–2006) here explores the complex love/hate relationship between Patrick and his father, Mahoney, in rural 1950s and 1960s Ireland. Patrick wants to please his father but at the same time is terrified of his volatile temper. Desperate, he tries to find an escape, concentrating on his schoolwork. He eventually wins a scholarship to university, a secure way out of his dreadful life, but the thought of his defenseless younger siblings staying behind with his violent father stops him. The narrative voice changes throughout, and the story includes painfully strong descriptions of domestic and sexual violence. This new translation will finally introduce this talented writer and this stellar work to Spanish readers. Recommended for large fiction collections.
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