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In 1961, MJ Galvin, an Irish building contractor in London, brings over his kid brother, Tom, 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 dancehall 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 enrols as a seminarian, goes to Rome, becomes a monsignor and is tipped for a bishopric.

But he renounces power and prestige, and is 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.

More Information
ISBN/EAN 9781843511359
Author William King
Publisher Lilliput Press
Publication date 9 Sep 2009
Format Paperback
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Leaving Ardglass

’One of the best novels to have come out of Ireland in a long time. It chronicles not just a personal and spiritual journey but the state of a nation over 40 years. Outstanding.’ - John Boland, Irish Independent

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