Over the Backyard Wall: A Memory Book, an alembic of imagination and particularity, records the unfolding of a brilliant life. From this mosaic of memory a self-portrait emerges that takes its author, a child of Hitler's war, from his upbringing in Callan to the threshold of his career as one of Ireland's most distinguished playwrights.
Exploring the impact of clerical power in Victorian Ireland, this acclaimed novel delves into a notorious clerical scandal, revealing the anatomy of religious violence. Thomas Kilroy's narrative captures both intimate moments and the broader turmoil of a community grappling with its faith and authority. Rich in historical and folkloric context, it resonates with contemporary issues, making it a profound reflection on the complexities of Irish identity and spirituality.