Mary Lavin

Happiness and Other Stories is perhaps the most cherished of all the acclaimed collections by Mary Lavin, who was not just one of Irelands major writers, but ranked among the greatest short-story writers of the twentieth century in the English language. The stories in this classic collection explore the relationships and intimate emotions of her characters that are from a vanished Ireland but still resonate today. Last published over four decades ago, New Islands Modern Irish Classics series brings this insightful and moving collection of stories back to life.

Comprising four long stories The Becker Wives, The Joy Ride, A Happy Death and Magenta this collection is one of Lavins most celebrated. Together, these stories capture the frustrations and grace of characters struggling to free themselves in places that are often hostile to their desires: a new bride coming home to her husbands prim family, two butlers taking a rare opportunity to go out drinking, a woman pleading with her dying husband to repent, and a young housekeeper whose fortunes seem to have suddenly changed.For the first time in decades, and with a foreword by Christine Dwyer Hickey, the Modern Irish Classics series brings this vital collection to a new generation of readers.

Mary Lavin is ranked amongst the greatest short-story writers of the twentieth century, and remains a titan of Irish 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 Lavins unique control, insight and subtlety. For the first time in decades, and with an introduction by Colm Toibin, the Modern Irish Classics series brings this hallmark collection to a new generation of readers.

Mary Lavins stories... are subtle without making a palaver about it, beautifully told, no pat endings, no slickness; and as in life, nothing is resolved. William TrevorFirst published in 1943, Tales from Bective Bridge is a collection of ten stories that memorably depict the rural mid-lands of Ireland and their people. Mary Lavin, though American-born, grew up in Athenry; 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. This 2012 edition, reissued for the centenary of Mary Lavins birth, includes an introduction by Evelyn Conlon.One of modern Irish fictions most subversive voices... [Lavins] art explored often brutal tensions, disappointments and frustrations dictating the relationships within so-called normal families. Eileen Battersby, Irish Times

Mary Lavin is the great unsung voice of Irish fiction. Here are her very best, most electric stories: illuminating, moving, arrows in flight.This is a wonderful collection, and a reminder that Mary Lavin was is one of Irelands greatest writers Roddy DoyleMary Lavins stories feature ordinary people in the tight confines of ordinary life. From rural Ireland and the streets of Dublin they charm, irritate and intrigue in complicated brilliance, appearing to us with unique freshness. Good friendships, bad deeds, frustrations, missteps, hope and laughter are all found in captivating stories where real and astonishing things happen.Few women were so consistently published in the New Yorker and yet today Lavins work is largely unpublished and overlooked. This collection re-establishes her as one of the most genius, irresistible and memorable voices of the last century.SELECTED AND INTRODUCED BY COLM TOIBINShe is, to come right out with it, magnificent New York TimesA feast of quiet humour and heartbreak Emma DonoghueMary Lavins stories conjure sadness, profundity, hilarity and wildness out of thin air. They are simply masterful Colin BarrettMary Lavins stories are a delight. They are delicate, but not too delicate to carry tragedy on one shoulder and comedy on the other Sunday Times

"La enérgica insistencia de una madre en la felicidad a pesar de las sucesivas tragedias; la larga cicatriz en forma de hoz en el brazo de una hija; el odio profundo que une a una pareja casada; el día en que una joven esposa, que se convierte al catolicismo de su esposo, sufre un aborto espontáneo... Las bellísimas historias de Mary Lavin, muy irlandesas por su tono y carácter, están firmemente ancladas en el día a día de toda experiencia humana. 'Felicidad' es quizá el más apreciado de los libros de relatos de Mary Lavin. Una obra que nos habla de tú a tú con una intimidad conmovedora. «Es, por decirlo sin rodeos, magnífica». The New York Times"

Pocos han oído hablar de Mary Lavin, pues no contábamos con traducciones de su obra en nuestra lengua; pero ahora estamos convencidos de que estos magníficos relatos formarán parte del imaginario de muchos lectores. Un descubrimiento, uno de esos libros míticos que llamamos clásico contemporáneo. ¿Los escenarios? La Irlanda verde, campestre y tan atractiva como dura, y la Irlanda de las ciudades oscuras y grises, la de la memoria y el deseo de tantos jóvenes expatriados, de tantas viudas. Un libro a la altura del Dublineses de Joyce. En la senda de Chéjov, de Katherine Mansfieldy anticipando la obra de Edna OBrien, sus relatos cautivarán a los lectores, y les mostrarán el poder que encierra un «simple» cuento, lo formidable y evocador que puede llegar a ser.