Mary Lavin

Mary Lavin was an acclaimed Irish author known for her short stories and novels. Born on June 10, 1912, in East Walpole, Massachusetts, USA, to Irish parents, she moved to Ireland as a child. Lavin is recognized for her keen observations of Irish life, her psychological insight, and her often subtle exploration of human nature. Her first collection of stories, 'Tales from Bective Bridge' (1942), won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, and she continued to write and publish extensively throughout her life. She passed away on March 25, 1996.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Mary O'grady

    Cover of 'Mary O'grady' by Mary Lavin

    "Mary O'Grady" is a poignant tale that chronicles the life of an Irish woman named Mary, who, with resilience and strength, navigates the trials and tribulations of her life. As a devoted wife and mother, she faces the challenges of raising a family in mid-20th century Ireland, dealing with the complexities of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time. The novel paints a rich portrait of a character whose ordinary existence is imbued with extraordinary dignity, capturing the essence of human endurance and the spirit of the Irish community. Through Mary's experiences, the story explores the universal themes of family, hardship, and the unyielding hope that propels one forward.

  2. 2. Happiness And Other Stories

    Cover of 'Happiness And Other Stories' by Mary Lavin

    "Happiness And Other Stories" is a collection of poignant short stories that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The narratives, set in Ireland, explore themes of love, loss, and the quest for contentment in everyday life. Through a diverse cast of characters, from young children to the elderly, the author captures the subtle nuances of rural and small-town existence, revealing the universal longing for happiness amidst the trials and tribulations of ordinary existence. The stories are marked by their keen psychological insight and the author's ability to evoke deep empathy for her characters' inner lives.

  3. 3. Tales From Bective Bridge

    Cover of 'Tales From Bective Bridge' by Mary Lavin

    "Tales From Bective Bridge" is a collection of short stories that explores the lives of ordinary people in rural Ireland. Set in the mid-20th century, the stories delve into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Lavin's vivid storytelling and keen observation of human nature bring these characters to life, capturing the beauty and struggles of everyday life in a small Irish community.