This is an eye opening play about the injustice of Irish struggles in the 19th century. Set in 1833, based around a school environment (where the pupils are adults) in a small Irish village, the division of the community in terms of education and willingness to welcome British armed forces is explored poignantly. The value of names, both of places and people, is an ongoing theme, and the cruel and unfair invasion of British colonial soldiers inevitably results in the loss of Irish culture, heritage and morals.
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The review of this Book prepared by Anna Richardson
The students in the hedge school speak Irish, Latin, and Greek -- but not English. When the English men come to County Donegal to give everything English names, only one man can translate between Irish and English. Things get mixed up as each side attempts to protect its interest, and the outcome is sadly humorous. The difference in language, which seems a barrier that cannot be broken, eventually is overcome as loyalties move from English/Irish to personal relationships.
The review of this Book prepared by Jessica Marler