Told by an aged narrator looking back on his youth, this is what I would call a well-written "sweet" book. Noah "Noe" Crowe left the seminary after a crisis of faith but comes to live with his grandparents in a very small village in Ireland. His grandparents also take in a boarder, Christy, who is working for the company that is bringing electricity to the village; Christy also has a deep secret that he has come to atone. There was much of this book that I loved -- almost brought tears in places -- and then at times, the writing just seemed too much of a good thing. The characterization of the grandparents, Doady and Ganga, were well drawn; the other characters in the community provided great support characters. Christy's remorse involves the widowed wife of the town chemist. Noe somehow manages to find himself slowly learning the story and seeing it from young eyes is much different than seeing it from the narrator as an old man. Overall, I really liked the book. Had to rush somewhat to finish it so that might has had an impact. I would definitely read more by the author. There were some sentences I actually wanted to write and keep.