THE BANYAN TREE

Why is it harder to find the words to extol a novel of such rare beauty and craftsmanship than it is to pan one that is a complete dud? Is it because the reader is so wrapped up in the warm feelings engendered by the book and he or she fears that they will vanish if the novel is examined too closely. That's how this book affected me. The story is of a simple Irish woman from young bride to old woman of eighty years and the longing that consumed her throughout her lonely final years. Besides Minnie, the protagonist, stands her devoted husband Peter, who perhaps carries a disturbing secret to his grave. Their children are equally well-drawn: Brendan, the oldest, the New York bishop--and an alcoholic; Sheila, who married well--but not happily; and Francis--Francis, the youngest, and the source of Minnie's longing. Perhaps it would be better not to tell you about the author. Read the book for its own merits, and then look into the creative genius who spun the tale, perhaps by reading his memoir, "Under the Eye of the Clock."