Pádraig Standún Livres

Tom Connor arrives home from Dublin he has been lobbying the government to provide work for the islanders he represents to be told by his housekeeper, Marion Warde, that she is pregnant with his child. This would be a blow for any man but it is especially disastrous because Tom is the local parish priest. Because he is a man of strong conscience and no believer in clericalcelibacy he determines to tell his people thetruth. The resolution of his dilemma makesfor dramatic and heartbreaking reading.Lovers is the author's own translation ofSuil le Breith, the classic Irish-languagebestseller first published in 1983. BobQuinn's award-winning film, Budawanny,was based on this novel.Padraig Standun was born in 1946 andordained to the priesthood in 1971. Hehopes to continue with his twin vocations ofpriest and writer."Gaeltacht's answer to The Thorn Birds. " Sunday Tribune

In a run down shack in the West of Ireland lives Biddy who is persuaded to stay in the local priest's house while he fixes up her home. There she takes a fancy to a pair of rubber gloves which the rosary brigade of the village believe to be a cover up for stigmata. Meanwhile, the priest - regarded by many as more of a communist than a Christian - has his own share of trouble when he is jailed for his part in a protest against the state of the roads. A hilarious tale of sex and sanctity.

The author of the highly popular Lovers, Celibates, and A Woman's Love, explores new territory in this extraordinary but totally credible tale of a strange beast that stalks an island community by night. Children have seen the 'Anvy' and say he is a hairy, naked, harmless creature. Others are not so sure. Is he man or beast? Maybe he doesn't exist at all. Islanders go about their daily business in a rapidly changing world, graphically and often uproariously depicted by Standun.

Set on a mythical island, a couple invests their newfound wealth in environmental projects to protect their home and the planet. Tom constructs a clifftop wall to shield against destructive waves, haunted by a historical tragedy, while Róisín cultivates land for sustainable food. Their idyllic life is intertwined with family dynamics, including their grandfather and his wife, who struggles with dementia and the loss of a sacred relic. Themes of politics, religion, and existential threats permeate the community, reflecting broader global concerns, yet the island remains a place of humor and insight.

The narrative explores the moral dilemma faced by a priest who must accommodate a recently released colleague convicted of child abuse. Despite his reservations, he allows the man to stay, fully aware of the potential fallout for himself and his parishioners. As the community continues its daily life, the tension of the priest's decision looms large, creating an unsettling atmosphere that challenges the notions of forgiveness, safety, and the impact of past sins on present circumstances.

The reflections of Pádraig Standún, a Roman Catholic priest in the West of Ireland, intertwine the rhythms of the church year with the natural world. His writings explore themes of life and death, highlighting how seasons influence spiritual observances, such as winter's commemoration of death and spring's celebration of resurrection. Standún captures the resilience of a Gaelic-speaking community deeply connected to their land and culture, offering insights filled with wit and wisdom shaped by their unique environment.

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice, the story follows Adrienne, an Irish artist seeking solace after her marriage ends. She encounters Giorgio, a water-taxi driver with a secret past as a former Irish Republican sniper. His life was upended when his death was faked during the "Troubles," leading to a new identity that now puts him at odds with both former allies and a vengeful drugs gang. The narrative explores themes of identity, redemption, and the haunting shadows of the past.

The book explores the author's nostalgic reflections on his childhood in rural Ireland during the late forties and fifties, emphasizing his appreciation for the beauty of Roman Catholicism, including its rituals and storytelling. Despite a lack of modern conveniences, he found joy in literature and imagination, inspired by a deceased uncle's books. The narrative intertwines personal memories with whimsical thoughts, such as the imaginative school essay about being a flea on a dog in space, showcasing a unique perspective on faith and creativity.