, hopeless states that all people are destined to reside in. McCabe is an extremely talentedauthor to be able to give an inanimate object its own character, and to do it well. Carn is anexcellent example of a well-developed character. McCabe's views of life are demonstrated by the lives of Sadie and Josie, and the town ofCarn. McCabe's characters' lives are replete with suffering and sorrow, and they all react with bitterresignation. Sadie, Josie, and Carn are resigned to accept their fates - Sadie's, involuntary life inCarn; Josie's, debauchery and death; and Carn's, economic desolation. Carn is very well writtenand is a wonderful book. However, not everyone will enjoy it. There is a considerable amount ofhistory involved in it, so people who enjoy history will benefit from it. It is also very depressing, soreaders who love happy endings will be disappointed with the conclusion of the story. For thesereasons I did not enjoy reading this book, however I do understand the literary merit that isdisplayed by McCabe. The story line and characters are well developed, and it is an interestingstory. I recommend it to anyone who is learning about the conflicts in Ireland, or to anyone wholikes to get to know fictional characters in a personal way....
