Death Be Not Proud — John B. Keane

There are more shades to John B. Keane's humour than there are colours in the rainbow. Wit, pathos, compassion, shrewdness and a glorious sense of fun and roguery are seen in this book. This fascinating exploration of the striking yet in tangible Irish characteristics show us Keane's sensitivity and deep understanding of everyday life in a rural community. John B. Keane draws our attention to both the comic and tragic effects of small town gossip in 'The Hanging' - a tale of accusation by silence in a small village - and 'The Change' - a carefully-etched comment on a town waking up to undiscovered sexuality. With his natural sense of character, a gift for observing and capturing traits he gives us a hilarious, mischievous and accurate portrait of the balance of justice in 'You're on Next Sunday' and 'A Tale of Two Furs'. We see his uncommon gift for creating characters and atmosphere in 'Death be not Proud' and 'The Fort Field'. Keane's magic, authentic language and recurrent humour weave their spells over the reader making this exciting book a 'must' for all Keane fans.