Novel Opening: Keegan's Setting and Protagonist

Study Notes

The novel is set in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland in 1985, during a period of recession, migration, and unemployment.
The story also flashes back to the late 1940s, during Bill Furlong's early years.

Bill Furlong is a hardworking family man with a coal and timber business.
He is happily married to Eileen and has five daughters: Kathleen, Joan, Sheila, Grace, and Loretta.
He has a strong sense of gratitude for his family, feeling a deep, private joy when seeing his daughters do everyday tasks.

Bill Furlong's mother was unmarried and 16 when she fell pregnant, leading to social criticism and bullying.
Mrs Wilson, the Protestant owner of the "big house", allowed Furlong's mother to work and live with her, protecting him from an unknown fate.
Mrs Wilson's compassion and fairness had a positive impact on Furlong's development, influencing his own compassionate nature.

The role of women in the 1980s is highlighted, with mothers occupied with household chores and limited freedom.
There is a lack of diversity in the community, with Polish and Russian boatmen being a novelty.
Unmarried mothers are ostracized, while the Catholic Church and Protestant community have distinct separations.
Family is highly valued in this world, with Bill Furlong's happiness rooted in his family life.

The opening setting is depicted in a bleak, cold manner, evoking a negative vision of Ireland.
The novel portrays a pessimistic view of Ireland during the recession, with long dole queues and men struggling to pay their bills.
However, Bill Furlong's positive character offers hope in this world, with his sense of gratitude and fairness providing a contrast to the harsh community.
The novel highlights a disturbing lack of compassion in society, particularly towards unmarried mothers.
Religious fervour is portrayed as a potential cause of conflict, with lukewarm religious beliefs leading to harmony between Protestant and Catholic communities.