Mary McGreevy

The only caution is for Devout Catholics or practitioners of the Faith that do not believe the church can be questioned much less be wrong, and definitely not for people that don't see humor in religious debate. If this does not stop you from picking up this book, you are in for a wonderful tale. If you are reading this having read, "Celibates And Other Lovers", by the same Author Walter Keady, the fun will be all the more enjoyable.Miss. Mcgreevy is as unconventional a woman as you can imagine for a small Irish Town in the early 1950's. In fact as it is pointed out, were the time a century or so sooner a wooden stake and flames would have been waiting for her. In this case her trials are confined to the Human Nature of a small town, and while infuriating at times it is generally shown to be what it is, much ado about nothing. For there are very few who have any direct involvement at all, and with one painful exception neither Mary nor anyone else is victimized by her. The pain comes from those in the town who know nothing, and are willing to put careers and reputations at risk for their own amusement, which they of course cloak in piety they feel they so surely posses, and in truth are totally bereft of its influence. They are not alone as the higher-level executives of the Church have made their mark and have climbed the ecclesiastical organizational chart with the same-clouded self-view.The Author does a great job of running multiple threads that have Rome happily dispensing annulments, excusing those who have taken perpetual vows, and then turning to the day to day practices that shows the hypocrisy that Miss. Mcgreevy is only to happy to point out. At times her debates with a Priest are a riot, as her knowledge of Aristotle, Sarte, and a variety of male Old Testament figures, "who begat children", outside of matrimony makes for brilliant dialogue.They are many who will take issue with the Author's views and those characters that he uses to express them. In so far as the book clashes with their held beliefs they have every right to do so. However when the Author brings this book to its resolution, and I do mean the final sentences, he leaves you with some huge philosophical/theological issues that are as deserving of attention today as they were the first time they were questioned.An absolutely wonderful tale written by an Author with an ear for dialogue, a pen that holds a bit of controversy, and a nimble mind of depth that makes the debates valid.

After reading other recent, heavy Irish novels that accentuated the burdons and depression of daily life, I was pleasantly and gratefully surprised by this enduring work. The author tackles many serious contemporary issues in the Church and its morality with a healthy dash of humor and practical logic. The characters are clearly and cleverly imprinted in the reader's mind early in the work, and their evolution is anxiously anticipated as they reveal their true selves through encounters with Mary. What a joy to read and pass on to your friends -- makes for wonderful discussion!

The characters in this book are drawn beautifully. Although the cast is quite large, I never had to page back to refresh my memory as to "who was who." Mary McGreevy's return to her home village has the effect of a stone thrown into a still pond. No one seems to be unaffected. I found it particulary interesting to realize that the consequences of her actions could have been much more severe, had the parish priest not been the gentle soul that he was. An excellent book, highly recommended.

very good read. love the title character and her ability to go for what she wants even if it doesn't exactly fit into the mores of the church or the small irish town she is from. she is at once one of them and an enigma to them.....sometimes this can backfire even to those just close to her. i think you will enjoy this one truly.

Walter Keady's 'Mary McGreevy' is a delightful novel about a strong Irish woman in a town that is not quite ready for her. I was inspired by her wit, courage and independence. Mr. Keady tells this story with warmth, humor and plenty of heart. His obvious affection for the residents of this small Irish town really gives life to the characters he creates. I highly recommend this book! A superior read!