THEY THAT MAY FACE THE RISING SUN
It is many, many years since I read this book, which was John McGahern’s final novel. It revolves around Joe and Kate Ruttledge, a married couple who ‘came in against the tide’ by moving to rural Leitrim from London during the 1980s.
They live at the end of a long country lane, although they’re rarely alone for very long: neighbours, including Mary, Jamesie, and Patrick can generally be relied upon to drop by for a chat.
It’s a slow book, I don’t mean that as a criticism but rather a quality. It has stayed in my memory ever since. I saw it on BBC One over the Christmas and it didn’t disappoint.
Try to see the film or buy the book if you can.It was shot around Finny, Lough na Fooey, Mount Gable & the Dooras Peninsula. Gorgeous scenery.
It’s a slow book, I don’t mean that as a criticism but rather a quality.