Leaving Ardglass

by WilliamKing (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $3.25

  Suddenly we are standing at the open door to pure pleasure. The revolving crystal bowl sprays the dancers with specks of light that cause the women's jewellery and spangled dresses to glitter. Small red and blue and yellow bulbs in curves along the sides cast a soft glow around the hall. Behind the stage, little lights like stars shine out against a navy backdrop: the lead singer, Butch Moore, is fondling a microphone while he sings:'Sugar in the mornin', sugar in the evenin'Sugar at supper time...' In 1962 MJ, an Irish building contractor in London, brings over his kid brother Tom Galvin to join the family business. Educated, sensitive and naive, and destined for the seminary, Tom witnesses a killing, learns about dead men and the start in Camden Town, experiences drunken brawls and the excitement of dance-hall nights in the Galtymore. He faces a decision that will shape his future: will he join his successful brother and make a fortune, or follow an inner voice towards the priesthood?The inner voice prevails, Tom enrolls as a seminarian, goes to Rome, becomes a monsignor and is tipped for a bishopric, only to renounce power and money again and be relegated to a quiet country parish disillusioned by the betrayal of principles within his Church as a new century dawns. This powerful family saga evokes the tensions and transformations within a new Ireland as traditional values give way to consumerism and one man's odyssey becomes everyman's.