The Gatemaker

The third book in the author's Dublin trilogy, which began with thecritically acclaimed The Dancer and was followed by The Gambler ,climaxes in the suburb of Crumlin with tragedy and shame for the dancer'sfamily. Christine Dwyer Hickey's elegant and beautiful prose culminates here inthe final chapter of one family's decline from prosperity to poverty. Hersuperbly drawn characters are made to face up to the often terribleconsequences of their own actions, evoking a moving and elegiac testament tothe city of Dublin in years during and after the Second World War. Atonce disquieting and deeply resonant, Dwyer Hickey creates a vivid sense oftime and place, where, in an age of desperate poverty, the tortuous forces oflife are brought to bear on this Dublin family.