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1Valley of the Squinting Windows

By Brinsley MacNamara

The Valley of the Squinting Shadows was the author's first novel and proved controversial. In it, he tells a realistic tale of life in a small Irish town as he saw it, rather than the romanticized version told by others, or how the locals wished to be seen. Mrs. Brennan, the local dressmaker, has opinions. Her son is off studying to become a priest, which elevates him -- and thus her -- in her opinion. Mr. Brennan is forgiven all his transgressions, on account of being father to the son. Mrs. Brennan is less tolerant of those not related to her and her acerbic tongue is well-known throughout the village. Imagine the villagers' satisfaction when young John Brennan doesn't quite follow the path anticipated by his mother!

A simplified history of the state of Missouri, from ancient Prehistoric times to the late 19th century, written chiefly in words of one syllable. Books such as this one were popular around the turn of the 20th century as a way to help children learn to read. A book like this could also be useful for remedial readers and ESL learners as well. - Summary by mungojerry311