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The Red and the Green

A tale of love and conflict in wartime Ireland

Iris Murdoch author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:7th Mar '02

£10.99

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The Red and the Green cover

Tension mounts in Dublin as the Easter Rebellion approaches, intertwining the lives of Pat, Andrew, and Millie in a story of love and conflict. The Red and the Green explores these themes.

Set against the backdrop of the 1916 Easter Rebellion, The Red and the Green immerses readers in the tumultuous streets of Dublin, where the rain-soaked environment mirrors the rising tensions of the time. Pat Dumay, a devout Catholic and fervent Irish patriot, navigates the complexities of his family life, marked by the relentless piety of his mother and the struggles of his stepfather, who is lost in a haze of religious contemplation and alcohol. This familial discord serves as a microcosm of the broader societal conflicts brewing in Ireland.

Amidst this personal turmoil, Pat's Protestant cousin, Andrew Chase-White, grapples with his own feelings about Ireland and the woman he loves. His internal conflict reflects the larger divisions within the country, highlighting the challenges of identity and loyalty in a time of upheaval. The narrative also introduces Millie Kinnard, a fast-paced, feminist character who navigates her own precarious social standing, adding another layer to the exploration of gender roles during this pivotal moment in history.

The Red and the Green intricately weaves these characters together, presenting a rich tapestry of emotions and conflicts as they each confront their beliefs and desires against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of change. The story captures the essence of a society in transition, where personal and political struggles intertwine, leading to a powerful examination of love, loyalty, and the quest for identity in a divided land.

Of all the novelists that have made their bow since the war she seems to me to be the most remarkable...behind her books one feels a power of intellect quite exceptional in a novelist * Sunday Times *
This is a comedy with that touch of ferocity about it which makes for excitement -- Elizabeth Jane Howard

ISBN: 9780099429135

Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm x 20mm

Weight: 236g

336 pages