I'm not usually a fan of books I read in school, mostly because I feel pressured to read them on time and all. This was a fantastic book and an insightful look at the state of Ireland at the time. The story seems similar to Faulkner's Sound and Fury, especially in its look at a wealthy family's fall from grace, but it's more complex than that (and a lot easier to read). The book is cut up into sections, each highlighting a character's inability to move on from a past filled with tragedy. No one truly understands any of the character's plights, only trying to show as much sympathy as they can. There's Willie and the murder of his family, and Marianne and her unplanned pregnancy. All the stories are told with such sadness yet the character's never regret their actions. This was an amazing books and a must-read, especially if you want to learn more about Ireland.