Books by Iona Carroll

This collection of twenty-four stories capture the lives and character of ordinary people through a snapshot of time. Some stories are poignant, others humorous, some surprising. There are seven stories in the collection about the lovable Irish priest, Father Vic whose parish is in the outback of Australia. The stories are as diverse as the characters.

The story of young Irishman, Oisin Kelly continues in this third novel. Oisin has settled in the outback Queensland town of Kilgoolga. Here his life becomes entwined with Vietnam War veteran, Harry. Past traumatic events affect both men in similar and sometimes surprising ways. A dark shadow is present at different times throughout this often emotional and powerful story. As Oisin discovers more and more secrets, he begins to wonder where his life  is leading and where his home truly is. Decisions have to be made as to which force is more powerful. Will it be the power of love over evil that will truimph and bring him home? 

With the Vietnam War as background, life in 1970's Australia was a time of social and political change. Bitter, disillusioned and still haunted by past events, young Irishman Oisin Kelly arrives in the outback Austrlian town of Kilgoolga. As he struggles to come to terms with this new and sometimes frightening environment, he falls under the spell of the powerful and enigmatic Eleanor Bradshaw. He is totally unprepared for what happens next.

This is the tale of Oisin Kelly, beginning with his mother, Annie as she struggles to come to terms with her love for two brothers. Married to Bernard, she is attracted to his brother, the mysterious and much misunderstood, Mick. Annie's strong Catholic faith engenders a deep sense of guilt, at the same time it helps her to cope. The story, set in 1950/60's Ireland, moves forward, sometimes gently, sometimes turbulently, combining pathos and humour. Although Crying Through the Wind is very much Annie's book, the stage is set for Oisin who has a quest of his own.