Mary Lavin Knihy

A collection of classic Irish long stories delving into the tragedies and joys of the human experience in twentieth-century Ireland.

'Mary Lavin's stories... and though the Irish short story was a dauntingly well-established form she succeeded in reinventing it with this, her debut collection, winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, which exhibits a Chekhovian gift for the meaning of small things, contrary behaviours and emotions.

Celebrated for its depth and insight, this collection showcases Mary Lavin's mastery in short storytelling. As one of Ireland's foremost authors, her work delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, reflecting the nuances of happiness and its elusive nature. Lavin's narratives are marked by their poignant characterizations and rich, evocative prose, solidifying her status as a significant figure in twentieth-century literature.

First published in 1967, In the Middle of the Fields explores lives that are multi-layered and secretive, peculiar and intimate, and offers a window into the quiet tragedies and joys of human life. This collection is a profound example of Lavin's unique control, insight and subtlety.