Saints and Sinners

“Mixes her trademark lyricism with a brutal depiction of lives marred by violence . . .tragedy mingles with beauty . . .and destruction with moments of grace.” —Publishers Weekly

With her inimitable gift for describing the workings of the heart and mind, Edna O'Brien introduces us to a vivid new cast of restless, searching people who—whether in the Irish countryside or London or New York—remind us of our own humanity.

In “Send My Roots Rain,” Miss Gilhooley, a librarian, waits in the lobby of a posh Dublin hotel-expecting to meet a celebrated poet while reflecting on the great love who disappointed her. The Irish workers of “The Shovel Kings” have pipe dreams of becoming millionaires in London, but long for their quickly changing homeland. “Green Georgette” is a searing anatomy of class, through the eyes of a little girl; “Old Wounds” illuminates the importance of family and memory in old age. In language that is always bold and vital, Edna O'Brien pays tribute to the universal forces that rule our lives.

“A shimmering book—lyric, but highly controlled.” —The Observer (London)

“Subversion is what catapulted Edna O'Brien to literary stardom an incredible half century ago and, at the top of her game, she can still cut the ground from under your feet.” — The Times (London)

“[A] splendid book. . . .Eleven stories . . .bring . . .attention to this author's clear, immaculate style and her brilliant selection of detail, nimble plot construction, and astute character delineation.” —Booklist

“Saints and Sinners . . .features plenty of sex, plenty of people who are all very much alive, living bravely in the face of death.” —Financial Times