But Come Ye Back: A Novel in Stories.

New York, NY William Morrow, 2003. Hardcover First Ed; First Printing indicated. First Ed; First Printing indicated. Fine in Fine DJ: Book shows binding square and secure; text clean. DJ unclipped. As New. NOT a Remainder. NOT a Book-Club Edition. NOT an Ex-Library copy. 8vo. 278pp. Hardback with DJ. It's a brave writer who uses a phrase from the great sentimental ballad "Danny Boy" as a title. Lordan (And Both Shall Row, 1998) assiduously avoids the bathos implied in that title, opting instead for a meticulously drawn portrait of Mary Curtin and Lyle Sullivan's long marriage--its "pettiness and comfortable meanesses and easy generosities." Through flashbacks and shifting narrative perspectives, we see a young, desperately lonely Lyle, after three dates and one brief kiss, fly off to Ireland to ask for Mary's hand in marriage. Some 30 years and two sons later, having retired in Ireland, the couple has lapsed into a comfortable routine, trying to avoid well-worn arguments as Lyle fends off Mary's nonstop chatter and Mary chafes under Lyle's silences. Lyle becomes enamored of an elegant young tourist, while Mary finds comfort in the banter of a lonely Irishman. But a health crisis provides Lyle with a sudden, keening appreciation for Mary's ability "to keep going, to show how that was done without you really noticing." A delicate, understated, yet deeply affecting series of stories.