The Collected Stories of Benedict Kiely

by Benedict Kiely

"The first meaning of 'the state of Ireland' is that it's a place where stories are still told, deliciously and by masters of the art, of whom Benedict Kiely is one, perhaps the foremost."―Guy Davenport, New York Times Book Review This treasure chest of a book contains the complete short stories and novellas by Benedict Kiely's, one of the great storytellers of our time and any nation. This edition contains a new introduction by the author, as well as his afterword to the acclaimed novella, Proxopera .

Genres: Short Stories, Ireland, Fiction

784 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2001

Reviews

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have not read the entire book, but the stories I have read are very good. One in particular--an almost romance between an Irish Catholic girl and a Protestant boy. He gives her, as a gift, six bullets. Something about that seems true to me in a way that lays out the whole depressing nature of the Irish "troubles." Naturally, they two do not become as one, but the bullets are not fired . . . at least in Ireland. Instead, there's a strange recounting of the shooting of six black protestors in Detroit by a rookie policeman. A story that stays with you long after.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the review for Bluebell Meadows. This is a great short story. I am surprised at the author's attention to detail. The story itself takes place in Lancashire UK and speaks of the protestant/ Catholic sectarianism through the eyes of Lofty, a freckled and blond boy and Rebecca a 14 year old interesting and witty girl. We follow their lives, their communities. And their stories. The effect of the war in their lives and how their paths different (as it always happens with kids!). It's rather beautiful and interesting but I wasn't so engaged with this story for some reason I can't quite pinpoint. 3.5 stars.

[Anne]

Didn't so much finish as had to return this to the library. Beautiful stories that I would love to revisit; must try to find a copy to own.