Maurice Hannigan always had trouble with words, but his own hands brought him quite a few numbers. An accomplished Irish farmer of dulcet tones, he saw many seasons come and pass. At the age of 84, having lost his wife two years to the day, he finds himself at the Rainsford House Hotel – where he has met many beginnings, middles and ends. Five drinks are ordered.
Five toasts. Five people. One lifetime.
As the evening progresses we are introduced to the cornerstones of his existence: Tony, his older brother; Molly, his daughter; Noreen, his sister-in-law; Kevin, his son; and Sadie, his wife. It is as if we are watching colour being added to what already was an extraordinarily detailed sketch, at each sip a new shade revealed. The texture is rich, full to the point of having the reader blending with it – you will feel your way through every word, but with a softness that is comforting instead of overwhelming.
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