Isn't Laird just saying that he thinks Montague is reverting to an outmoded stereotype about how the Church figures in people's lives? That sort of patriarchal relationship. I'm sorry, I haven't read the book, but in terms of this review I think Kavanagh's visions might come across a bit - pardon the phrase - bolshy for the characters in this book? I think the view of Catholicism he's objecting to goes hand-in-hand with the animal-like peasantry, the leprechaun-like locals, etc etc etc. Ireland is part of the modern world! I think that's all he's saying. Kavanagh is cited because he was trying to explode that very view that Montague, now in old age, is resurrecting.
KEB
[This message has been edited by Katy Evans-Bush (edited January 13, 2005).]
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