Troubles
Troubles by James Gordon Farrell, published by Penguin Books in 1975, is a historical fiction novel set in Ireland during 1919. This New Ed edition spans 410 pages and presents a narrative centered around the Hotel Majestic, a once-grand establishment now more populated by cats than guests. The story follows the Major, who arrives at the hotel to reunite with his fiancée Angela, the daughter of the Protestant proprietor, Edward Spencer. As he navigates the complexities of their long-distance relationship, he becomes entangled in the political and social dynamics of the hotel and its residents.
Readers will find a rich exploration of themes related to Irish politics and love, all unfolding within the fragile sanctuary of the Hotel Majestic. The narrative builds towards a dramatic conclusion, blending humor with poignant moments. Farrell’s storytelling invites readers to reflect on the historical context of the time, while the characters’ interactions provide insight into the sociopolitical landscape of post-World War I Ireland. This edition offers an engaging experience for those interested in historical fiction set against the backdrop of significant events.
Official synopsis Publisher
Set against the backdrop of growing tensions in Ireland in 1919, Troubles, written in 1970, is the first novel in J.G. Farrell’s “Empire Trilogy”. “Troubles” is set on the east coast of Ireland, largely in the Hotel Majestic, a formerly grand building that has seen better days and now generally houses more cats than guests. The listener is taken back to July 1919, when the ‘Major’ is visiting the Majestic to reunite with his fiancee Angela, the Protestant proprietor Edward Spencer’s daughter. The lovers met in Brighton during the War and have since only corresponded long-distance. The welcome he receives is not quite what he expected. He quickly becomes sucked into the political and sociological ethos of the hotel and its inhabitants, and the story builds tantalisingly until its inevitable dramatic conclusion. A touching, often very funny and yet ultimately rather sad story, which will capture the listener’s heart and excite their interest with its themes of Irish politics and love, played out in an unlikely and fragile sanctuary. The reader Sean Barrett is an Irish-born actor who has enjoyed success in the theatre, on television and in film.
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