The Map Of Tenderness

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In his mid-thirties, Joe Lyons leads a solitary life as a writer, having never had much luck with relationships - including with his own family, whom he has alienated with the publication of his autobiographical first novel. So when Joe meets and falls in love with a young music teacher, he can't believe his luck. But, just as he is beginning to trust Suzie's feelings for him, the news comes that his mother is seriously ill. When he and his sister return to the family farm they discover that their mother's illness is hereditary. A terrible fate seems in store, with profound implications for Joe's future with Suzie. In the searing experience of loss, Joe, like his father, learns to understand the nature of love.

Reviews

'The novel works on many levels. As an examination of the tangled skeins of family allegiance, it is clear-headed to the point of ruthlessness. In its dissection of a fatal illness, it is both rigorous and humane. But it is the power and subtlety of the writing which sets The Map of Tenderness apart ...With a few deft strokes, he can paint a picture of heart-stopping vividness' -- Arminta Wallace, Irish Times 'A dark and sensuous stylist ... He really is shaping up to be among the very best of the almost overabundant crop of Irish literary production during the last decade.' -- Desmond Traynor, Irish Independent 'Eloquent and haunting' -- Doug Johnstone, List 'Engages richly and rather profoundly with love, death and life.' -- James Smart, Sunday Herald 'A moving portrait of a family, of discovery, and having the courage to believe in other people.' -- Anne-Marie Flanagan, Irish World 'Moving [and] lyrical' -- Sunday Independent

Author Bio

William Wall is an award winning poet and short story writer, and the author of several works of fiction for children, whose first adult novel, ALICE FALLING, was published by Sceptre in 2000. His work has appeared in The Irish Times, New Irish Writing and has been broadcast on radio on RTE. He is married with two children and lives in Co. Cork, Ireland.