O’CONNOR, Frank. The Saint and Mary Kate.

London: Macmillan and Co., 1932. First edition. Crown octavo. pp. [8], 301, [2]. Green cloth, titled in gilt on spine. Publisher’s Advance Review Copy with slip. Cloth a little faded. Dust jacket with a few minor nicks. A very good copy.

The Saint and Mary Kate by Frank O’Connor is a charming and poignant novella that captures the essence of rural Irish life with O’Connor’s trademark wit and humanity. First published in 1951, the story follows Mary Kate, a spirited and independent young woman, and her interactions with a peculiar and devout man who is believed by some to be a saint. Set in a small Irish village, the tale explores themes of faith, superstition, love, and the social constraints placed on women.

Mary Kate is portrayed as a strong-willed character who challenges the expectations of her conservative community, while the “saint” remains an enigmatic figure, eliciting admiration and confusion in equal measure. O’Connor’s gift for dialogue and character development shines throughout, revealing the nuances of rural society and the quiet complexities of human relationships.

Known for his short stories and translations, Frank O’Connor was a master of the form, and The Saint and Mary Kate is a fine example of his storytelling prowess. The book combines humor with subtle critique, offering a window into mid-20th-century Irish life.

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