Written as a fictional novel, yet almost entirely autobiographical, Gorry Rua Morning provides an evocative look into the awakening consciousness of childhood. The story is set during the dreadful poverty and deprivation that persisted throughout the war years in Ireland.
Although the book is set in a time of war, Irish author John C Ryan feels that the book has a more positive outlook on life. “I believe it celebrates the wonderful love, care and fortitude of a mother left to fend for herself, never allowing her children to feel less than totally loved and wholly worthwhile,” he explains. “That story is always universally regarded.”
The story follows Michael Waters, who is moved back to Ireland by his mother, rather than being ‘evacuated’ in the Second World War. From his first conscious awakenings, he slowly and tenderly recounts the great Irish Diaspora and the impact of the war that drives so many to extreme poverty.
The Irish education and religious systems are invoked early on and persist in framing the conscsiousness of Michael and his friend Little Paddy. Together, they grow up with an optimistic view of life, despite a background of squalor and the imponderable impact of the Christian Brothers. But when Michael is forced to leave on his fourteenth birthday, a definitive line will be drawn under childhood and he will never be the same…
This novel celebrates the fascination of childhood in what has been described as ‘an antidote to Angela’s Ashes’.