Bibliofemme Bookclub An Irish Bookclub

Will is watching Kate Kelly through her kitchen window, like a moth at the glass he tries desperately to recapture his youth and leave behind the torment of the last forty years.

Set in Springmount, County Wexford, A Moth at the Glass tells the story of a family torn apart by tragedy. Will is destined to always watch the woman he loves through a pane of glass, yet when he reminisces or has a “flash back” we can see the true Will and how his rivalry with his childhood friend, Philly will ultimately ruin his life and leave him permanently on the outside looking in.

Simon, Will’s son, fled to England as soon as he was old enough, he bears nothing but ill-will towards his father and his home town, and is happier to scratch a meagre living from the building sites and the odd ceili session in the local pub, than to ever return to his homeland.

Mogue Doyle takes us on a pleasant trip down Will’s memory lane, the book is written in two voice’s Will and Simon, the book’s high points are it’s vivid descriptions overall though the tale is told in a rather meandering voice, there is no climax and no urgency. Although a very pleasant read it is instantly forgettable.