Amongst Women

by John McGahern
Amongst Women cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 10475
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9780571250189
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2009-02-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Amongst Women delves into the complex relationships within a family led by a former officer of the Irish War for Independence. Moran, now a widower, tries to maintain control over his five children as they grow and seek their own paths. The novel beautifully captures the tension between love and tyranny, offering a profound look at the human condition. /n/n Praised for its transparency and truth, this book is a masterpiece that lingers in the mind long after reading. It's a compact yet rich narrative that brims with tension and emotional depth, making it a timeless piece of literature.

Reviews
Keeping Up With The Penguins · 2019-11-19
insightful 3.50

The review highlights the book's exploration of complex family dynamics and the protagonist's controlling nature. It praises the author's ability to capture the nuances of Irish rural life.

The review delves into the intricate portrayal of a patriarchal family in rural Ireland, focusing on the protagonist's domineering personality and the emotional turmoil it causes. The reviewer appreciates the author's skill in depicting the harsh realities of life in the 1960s Irish countryside, making the characters and their struggles feel incredibly real. The story is seen as a powerful commentary on the erosion of traditional values and the impact of change on family structures.

Quick quotes

    The family dynamics are so complex and messy, just like real life.

    McGahern's writing is stark and unflinching, capturing the harsh realities of rural Ireland.

    The novel is a powerful exploration of the erosion of traditional values and the impact of change on family structures.

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2015-07-27
masterful 4.50

The review praises the book as a modern Irish masterpiece, highlighting its study of Irish patriarchy and its elegy for a lost world. It commends the author's ability to capture the essence of a bygone era.

Robert McCrum hails Amongst Women as a modern Irish masterpiece, noting its profound exploration of the faultlines of Irish patriarchy. The review emphasizes the book's role as an elegy for a lost world, capturing the essence of a bygone era with remarkable depth and sensitivity. McCrum praises the author's ability to depict the complexities of family life and the struggles of the protagonist, Michael Moran, making the novel a poignant and unforgettable read. The review also highlights the book's universal themes and its relevance to contemporary readers.

Quick quotes

    Amongst Women is a modern Irish masterpiece, both a study of the faultlines of Irish patriarchy and an elegy for a lost world.

    McGahern's writing is deeply moving, capturing the essence of a bygone era with remarkable depth and sensitivity.

    The novel is a poignant and unforgettable exploration of the complexities of family life and the struggles of its protagonist.

Mookse and Gripes · 2011-04-08
compelling 4.00

The review notes the book's complex portrayal of the protagonist's contradictory emotions and the impact on his family. It commends the author's ability to create a compelling narrative despite the character's unlikable traits.

The reviewer discusses the intricate and often contradictory emotions of the protagonist, Michael Moran, and how these emotions affect his relationships with his family. Despite Moran's unlikable and controlling nature, the reviewer finds the narrative compelling and praises the author's ability to create a rich and engaging story. The review also highlights the book's exploration of themes such as power, control, and the complexities of family dynamics, making it a thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Michael Moran is a complex and contradictory character, making him both fascinating and infuriating.

    McGahern's writing is masterful, creating a compelling narrative despite the protagonist's unlikable traits.

    The novel is a powerful exploration of power, control, and the complexities of family dynamics.

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