A door-stop of a book by one of Ireland’s most distinguished writers. Trevor limns the everyday elements of everyday people’s lives—their marriages, family relationships, work, marital infidelities, and ultimately their attempts to find meanig in that stew of self/others/the world.  It’s generally a sad and disorderly unhappiness that results, and Trevor leaves one feeling a bit wrung out after most stories. As the reviewer in the 12/18/10 WSJ stated:  “…what lingers is less lone memorable tales than a feeling, or rather intervals of feeling that build into an emotional chord. Sorrow is the dominant note, blending with regret, wistfulness, longing, and an indefinite sweetness that makes the whole downer package easier to take.”  Very well said.  A great pleasure reading one to two stories before lights out in Vermont over the winter and spring.