Description
The Peat's Memory
Book Summary
In October 1993, the peaceful life of Ballydungael, a small town in rural Ireland, is disrupted when a historian reveals that the local hero, who died during the civil war in 1922, was not killed by the rebel side. This revelation triggers a political upheaval with unpredictable consequences, while the disappearance of a young priest fuels rumors in the neighborhood. Chesús Yuste returns to the Irish setting of his first work, bringing together the dinner guests who debate crimes at their Wednesday dinners. An intrigue that combines mystery, history, and the atmosphere of a town where nothing ever happens.
What is it about?
The novel takes place in Ballydungael, an Irish town where the routine is broken by two simultaneous events. On one hand, a historian's investigation calls into question the official version of the local hero's death during the Irish Civil War of 1922, suggesting he was not killed by the opposing side, but by someone in his own circle. This revelation causes a political earthquake that threatens to reopen old wounds. On the other hand, the disappearance of a young priest unleashes all kinds of speculation among the neighbors. Amidst this chaos, a group of characters who already appeared in The Forest's Gaze gathers for their Wednesday dinners to debate literary or real crimes, attempting to solve a murder committed seventy years ago. The plot combines historical investigation with suspense, exploring how the past can resurface to change the present.
Main themes
- Revision of official history and its local myths.
- The impact of the past on a community's identity.
- Mystery and the solving of historical crimes.
- Life in rural Ireland and its social dynamics.
- The power of rumors and hidden truths.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers interested in mystery novels with a historical background, set in rural environments and with a focus on character psychology. Also for those who enjoy plots that combine crime investigation with social and political critique, as well as for fans of Chesús Yuste's work who want to reconnect with the world of Ballydungael.
What this book offers
- A suspenseful plot that maintains interest through the resolution of a crime from the past.
- An exploration of how rural communities face the revision of their collective history.
- Complex characters who debate the nature of crime, offering layers of reflection.
- A detailed setting of 1990s Ireland, with its political and social tensions.
- The chance to connect with a literary series that delves into the same setting and characters.
Technical data
- Author: Yuste Cabello, Chesús
- Publisher: Xordica
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Modern and contemporary fiction
- Collection: Carrachinas
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2020
- Number of pages: 280
- Weight: 430 g
Editorial assessment
The Peat's Memory is a novel that successfully combines classic mystery with historical revision, offering a plot that captivates both for its intrigue and its setting. Chesús Yuste demonstrates a mastery of narrative pace and an ability to create an enveloping atmosphere, where the secrets of the past become the engine of the action. Recommended for those looking for a read that entertains and, at the same time, invites reflection on how historical accounts are constructed and questioned at a local level.