Customer Reviews

Proxopera: A Tale of Modern Ireland

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This is the most humane story I have read regarding the violence, fear, and unwavering love of placeand community that so largely defines Northern Island in the last third of this century. Ten years ago I chose this book off the shelf, without knowing anything about it or the author. I read the book on a Saturday and was so amazed by it I re-read it again the next day. A week later I read it again and have read it perhaps 10 times over the years. The story of a grandfather faced to make a terrible decision is a simple plot but a complex question. And the dual love of family and Place enrich this story of how compassion overrides criminality. I would also recommend anything else written by Benedict Kiely, for his ability to Put The Reader In Northern Ireland.

Benedict Kiely's novel, Proxopera, is a story of a man faced with an impossible decision: drive a bomb into his beloved town for the IRA or his family will be killed. Other stories have been written along this line, yes, but not like this. His novel describes this horrible situation in a hauntingly poetic way. It also paints the ugly picture of the modern Provisionals. This book is essential to anyone who explores Republicanism or the situation in modern Ireland. It is also a example of exceptional writing.