Writer John McGahern died suddenly last night. His memoirs were recently published, and one has to wonder if he sensed the end was coming.
His first novel, The Dark, was published in 1965 and was promptly banned by the Irish Censorship Board. Mr. McGahern, a teacher, was fired from his position at the order of Archbishop McQuaid, and he left Ireland for ten years, seeking the freedom of expression that the country was sadly lacking.
Most of his books are inspired by the rural life that he knew as a boy, growing up without a mother. Beautifully crafted, they are well worth reading. His last and best novel, That They May Face the Rising Sun, is on my stack of books to be read. I'll be moving it to the top of the pile. A great voice is gone, and who will take his place?
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