Strangers at Lisconnel

Strangers at Lisconnel serves as a delightful sequel to Jane Barlow’s Irish Idylls, weaving together familiar characters and settings with a blend of humor and poignant melancholy. Set against the backdrop of Irelands most rural locales, Barlows narratives reveal her deep empathy for the simplicity, poverty, and innocence of her characters, despite her own elevated social status. One can sense the authenticity in her dialogue, as illustrated by Mrs. Kilfoyles witty observation I declare, now, youd whiles think things knew what you was manin in your mind, and riz themselves up agin it a purpose to prevint you, they happen that conthráry. Though she may have dismissed her poetry, the enchanting rhythm and lyrical quality of her prose resonate beautifully with the ear. (Summary by JCarson)