Once, the villagers would tip their hats repectfully when the McMahons drove out through the ornate iron gates at the end of the drive. Now, when the estate is in a state of peaceful decay, Minnie returns home, disrupting the tranquillity.
Jennifer Johnston, who died in 2025, was one of the foremost Irish writers of her generation. She won the Whitbread Prize (THE OLD JEST), the Evening Standard Best First Novel Award (for THE CAPTAINS AND THE KINGS), the YorkshirePost Award, Best Book of the Year (twice, for THE CAPTAINS AND THE KINGS and HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON?). She was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize with SHADOWS ON OUR SKIN.