In Ireland, a man of reason is drawn to a true mystery older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge in this enthralling story about ethereal secrets by New York Timesbestselling author Colm Tóibín.

Book blurb

During the winter solstice, on the shortest day and longest night of the year, the ancient burial chamber at Newgrange is empowered. Its mystifying source is a haunting tale told by locals.

Professor O’Kelly believes an archaeologist’s job is to make known only what can be proved. He is undeterred by ghost stories, idle speculation, and caution. Much to the chagrin of the living souls in County Meath. As well as those entombed in the sacred darkness of Newgrange itself. They’re determined to protect the secret of the light, guarded for more than five thousand years. And they know O’Kelly is coming for it.

My thoughts

Professor O’Kelly, an archaeologist, decides that he will carry on with his work at Newgrange in the days running up to Christmas even though he will be there alone. He is currently studying the markings on the walls in a corridor that leads to the main chamber of the ancient site. He might also do some excavation work in the corridor.

He’s promised his wife and family he’ll be back for Christmas. After all he’s been well organised this year and bought gifts in plenty of time.

There are dead souls occupying Newgrange they are captured there telling each other stories of their lives or in the case of one of those souls, Dalc, stories from beyond Newgrange of the world. It is Dalc who discloses to them that Professor O’Kelly will be working at the site on the Winter Solstice. They are worried that he might stumble upon the secret of the chamber and then let it become common knowledge. It mustn’t happen but can they stop it?

The living souls in County Meath particularly the Professor’s landlady are concerned too. They must stop the Professor from finding out the secret. So with determined effort they put a number of obstacles in his way. Will they succeed?

Would Professor O’Kelly a man of science believe what he has heard in rumour and idle speculation? Well maybe if he could prove it but can he? Even if he came to believe himself could he prove it to the world?

Oh and by the way will he make it home for Christmas?

This marvellous work by Colm Tóibín is a fascinating piece on an actual phenomenon that takes place on the Winter Solstice and a very imaginative story of how the otherworldly life and real life both want to keep the secret of that phenomenon and whether they can. With a sprinkling of delicious humour, charm and wonderful storytelling I thoroughly enjoyed this tale.

Book: Purchased

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Information

Published: Amazon Original Stories | 3 Nov 2020 | 31 pp

Buy: Amazon |

Author

London Review of Books (LRB) | New York Review of Books (NYRB) | New York Review (NYR) | LRB

Further information

Newgrange World Heritage site

Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a prehistoric monument dating back over 5,000 years, The passage tomb features a 19m (62ft) long passage leading to a central chamber which is adorned with megalithic art. Remarkably, the monument is constructed in such a way that sunlight penetrates its inner sanctum on the mornings around the winter solstice.

The Winter Solstice Phenomenon

The winter solstice, which occurs around December 21st each year, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. At Newgrange, during the sunrise on the mornings around the winter solstice, a breathtaking alignment takes place. The sun’s first rays pierce through a specially designed opening above the entrance called a roof-box, gradually illuminating the narrow passage. As the sun ascends, it bathes the central chamber in a warm glow, lasting for just 17 minutes.

Newgrange | Boyne Valley Tours – Newgrange |