Troubles-era Ireland

The novel takes place in an unnamed town somewhere in the northern region of Ireland. The story takes place during the Irish Troubles. The specific decade is the 1970s. At this time in Ireland’s history, Ireland is in an irregular military conflict with England and Northern Ireland separatists. (The denizens of Young Woman’s town are on the side of Ireland.) This conflict causes much brutal, wanton violence in Young Woman’s town. Several characters are either wounded or injured due to this violence. The British government has also deployed many spies in the region to monitor possible enemy operative.

Young Woman’s Home

Young woman lives in a house with her mother and younger sisters. Young Woman’s other siblings have all either married and moved out or have been killed/exiled due to conflicts related to the Troubles. Young Woman tries to keep her...