Austin Clarke: The Sun Dances at Easter

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The latest addition to my website is Austin Clarke‘s The Sun Dances at Easter. This is a story set around a thousand years ago, involving Irish myths and legends and the relationship between pagan Ireland and early Christianity in that country. Orla, the heroine, cannot get pregnant and is advised to visit the Well of St Naal. She sets off with her maid and, has a series of adventures en route, including meeting a young man, Enda, who had trained to be a priest but was now somewhat disillusioned. The couple nearly have a fling, Enda tells her a couple of stories which illustrate the conflict between pagan and Christian Ireland and she finds the well. It is by no means great literature but a thoroughly enjoyable tale, if you like Irish myth and legends. The book is long since out of print.

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