The Fields by Kevin Maher

The Fields by Kevin Maher is a coming of age novel set in Ireland during the 1980s. Although the Troubles are present, the focus remains firmly on the adolescence of central character Jim Finnegan. 

The first section of the novel brilliantly captures both the humour and awkwardness of teenage years as thirteen year old Jim recounts hilarious anecdotes of his chaotic home life with five older sisters and the complex nature of male friendships in an all boys school. Things abruptly turn sour at the hands of menacing priest Father O’Culigeen and, coupled with an underage relationship and family illness, Jim’s carefree childhood is not so much cut short as it is forcefully removed.  As his life spirals out of control both Jim and the reader are left longing for the innocent fun of his formative years.

The character of Jim is the novel’s biggest strength and his dry humour and vivid social commentary draw amusement in even the bleakest moments. His down to earth attitude is undermined slightly in the final section by a belief in new age healing but ultimately it is his naïve determination and resilience to what life throws at him that shines through the novel. [Rowena McIntosh]