FOOTSTEPS IN THE DEW

Footsteps in the Dew is a novel which details the social history of rural Ireland between the two World Wars. In days when the immediacy of television was unavailable, the richness of human speech was the main source of daily entertainment. These tales are written in a similar lyrical language as used by a past generation of storytellers. They range from the uniqueness of family law to tales of heroes, adventurers and even murderers. There is a dichotomy expressed in the role of men and women towards nationalism, the gentry, the clergy and also alternative faiths (e.g. Protestantism and Quakerism). The freedom of men is noticeable (for it is only the men who spin tales) in contrast to the yearly struggles of women and childbearing. One tale includes the stain of illegitimacy and the ostracising of the young girl to lifelong 'laundry work' with the nuns. As might be expected, the book ends with a tale of romantic love - of reconciliation and jubilation.