The Short Stories of John B. Keane

by John Brendan Keane

All human life is here, and Keane tells its story in an astonishing procession of remarkable characters and in rare humorous glimpses of his own career. There are more shades to John B. Keane's humour than there are colours in the rainbow. Compassion, shrewdness and a glorious sense of fun and roguery are evident in this collection, which brings together John B. Keane's tales. A fitting tribute to John B. Keane, for decades Ireland’s favourite storyteller, this winning short story collection typifies the late author’s folkloric imagination and storytelling arts.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Ireland, Irish Literature

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[El · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are 17 short stories in this collection, with 192 pages. You don't want me to do the math for you (trust me, you don't), but it's evident from that mere fact alone, these short stories are pretty darn short.

But they are so good! This Keane guy reminds me of Breece D'J Pancake or Hamlin Garland, except, well, Irish. What's especially interesting about that fact is that the Irish-centricity of these stories really doesn't exist. Even though I knew and understood Keane was Irish and the stories took place in small towns in Ireland, they felt just as familiar to me as if they took place in the Ozarks or in Kentucky, or any rural setting. That's a pretty special writer, I think, to be able to make one's writing familiar to any reader, no matter their geography.

Though, suddenly, there would be a word or a phrase that would pop up and I'd do a double-take. Those Brits, man, what the heck are they talking about sometimes? I had to look some things up, which excites me in some way because I feel like I'm learning something.

musquash: aka, muskrat
Spáilpín: Wikipedia tells me this means "wandering landless labourer" was an itinerant or seasonal farmworker in Ireland from the 17th to the early 20th century. Huh, who knew?
gabháil: Again, thanks to Wikipedia I now know this means "seizure" or "capture".

See, we're all a little smarter.

Keane focuses on small, rural towns, the sorts of people one finds there - again, rural Ireland isn't much different from rural America, except the folks in these stories go to the "pub". I love reading about small town problems, and how injustices can come around as much by not saying anything at all as they can by saying something. Keane manages to bring these issues to life, without being preachy about it. He tells it like it is, the good and the bad, and he doesn't shy away from how he sees the world.

There is no sight so grotesque or pathetic as the dangling frame of a hanged man. It is also an affront to human symmetry.
(The beginning of The Hanging, p 151)

Good stuff here. If you like Pancake, if you like Garland, hell - if you like Flannery O'Connor... you'll probably like this Keane guy as well. (I still like Pancake the best. But I'm always keeping my eye out for a good substitute.)

[Dan Collison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately not as good as his other works.

[Joseph Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of short stories. With some very colourful characters the author paints a vivid picture of rural life in Ireland in a much simpler time

[Mariana Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was handed this book with the promise it was from one of Ireland’s best authors.
I feel the stories are short, yet complex and with a lot to take from each of them. From not being an English native, I feel like I might have missed a little bit and the reading was a bit too harsh due to the use of some expressions and more complex writing.
However, the stories are really good, with a bit of genius in each of them. I can understand why it is considered one of the best authors. 4 stars overall :)

[Cassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the simplicity and light humor in these short snippets of everyday life.

[Marya Valli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet, lively, wonderfully descriptive and gently humourous: you can see why he's one of Ireland's favourite authors. His portraits ring true, and human folly is embraced with wit and truth. Some of the stories are quite dark, but not all: a beautifully written work.

[Mhartain O'Treasaigh]

I like John way of his work

[Paul Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine vignettes of Irish country life. Well written, and clear insight into human condition.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

lively portraits of rather full-blooded country folk.