The Wind Bloweth
is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows young Shane Campbell, a boy on the brink of manhood, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of the Irish landscape. The author delves into themes of family, cultural heritage, and the poignant transition from childhood to adulthood as Shane grapples with his identity and the legends of his homeland. The beginning of the novel introduces Shane on his fourteenth birthday, as he takesadayofffromschooltoexplorethemountainousterrainnearhishome in the Antrim glens. The text vividly captures the beauty of the Irish coun tryside throughShane'seyes, portrayinghisinteractionswithnatureandthe memory of historical figures associated with his heritage. During his ascent of themountain, Shanereflectsonstoriesoflostislandsandmysticalexperi ences, indicating a longing for adventure and a connection to the tales of his poetic father. This opening sets the stage for Shane's character development andforeshadows the intermingling of mythand reality in his journeyahead.
Thefeeling thatwasuppermost inhim ashe satoutsidethethatched cottage inthemoonlight, whilethewakewaswithin, wasnotgriefathiswife'sdeath; not a shattered mind that his life, so carefully laid out not twelve months before, was disoriented; not any self-pity; not any grievance against God, such as little men might have: but a strange dumb wonder. There she lay within, in herhabitofaDominicanlaysister, herhandswaxy, herfacewaxy, her eyelids closed. And six guttering candles were about her, and women droned their prayers with a droning as ofbees. Thereshelaywithherhands clasped on awoodencrucifix. Andnomorewouldtherobinswakeher, and they fussing in the great hawthorn-tree over the coming of dawn. Nolonger would she rake the ash from the peat and blow the red of it to a little blaze. No longer would she beat his dog out of the house with the handle of the broom. No longer would she forgather with the neighbors over a pot of tea for a pleasant vindictive chat.
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