The Colony

Only 92 people live on a remote island, little more than a few miles of bare rock, off the coast of Ireland. Young islanders have left in search of a better life, and those who remain live in the traditional way, speaking nothing but Gaelic, eking out a meagre living from fishing. In the summer of 1979, two foreigners arrive. The Englishman is a painter whose career has taken a downturn. He plans to create an “authentic” form of art by capturing the rugged nature and island residents, hoping this approach will revitalize his career. The Frenchman is a return visitor. He is a linguist who has spent five years studying the local Gaelic language for his PhD thesis. The two take an instant dislike to each other. They are in constant competition for access to the locals, intent on imposing their own priorities without taking the islanders’ rights and wishes into account. Through the behavior of these two men and against the backdrop of the Troubles raging in Northern Ireland, this book explores the disruptive nature of colonialism. Themes such as cultural appropriation, tradition versus progress, identity and authenticity are examined. The author’s use of beautiful and accessible prose, interlaced with wry humor, make this multi-layered story an exciting and entertaining read.