You could not make this novel any more Irish unless it came with a free pint of Guinness with a shamrock stuck in the top. It was even awarded the Irish Novel of the Year by the Kerry Group earlier this year, and they are only interested in books written by Irish authors so they know their subject. It's beautifully written in that slow and moving lyrical style of classic Irish literature, so if you are looking for something to skim read on the plane you had better put this down and move on to a wodge from David Baldacci. The plot in this book will not be hurried, but I promise you it is worth hanging on in there as you will feel the cold and rain along with the community of Faha gathering around you. Set in 1962 during the run-up to Christmas, it centres around Dr Jack Troy who is the much respected village doctor. Back in the early sixties there was only one doctor for each village, and they stayed in post long enough to see several generations and knew everything the...