Summary of Amongst Women
Michael Moran is an elderly man who lived his glory days as a republican fighter during the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War of the 1920s. As he lies dying, he looks back on the battles of the past while still maintaining his authoritarian sway over his wife and children, who love him but also fear him.
Reasons to read Amongst Women
“Amongst Women” is a moving novella, written in subtle and restrained prose, depicting a father-figure’s dominance over his wife and children, and, more broadly, criticising the patriarchal structure of Irish society. John McGahern was one of the most distinguished Irish writers of the 20th century. “Amongst Women” is his best-known novel (often regarded his masterpiece) and won the Irish Times/Aer Lingus Literary Award in 1991. Other notable books by John McGahern include “The Barracks” and “That They may face the Rising Sun” (Irish Novel of the Year in 2003). He received the Irish PEN Award in 2003. In 2015, The Guardian included “Amongst Women” in its list of the 100 best novels in English.
Setting: Mohill, County Leitrim (Ireland)
Original title: Amongst Women
Year of publication: 1990
Nr of pages: 192
