The Horse of Selene

A young farmer named Micael falls in love with a girl with blonde hair on a beach in Ireland in the 1970s. This novel is a cult classic that explores the choices of youth and the risks of the unknown, set in the wildness of the West of Ireland.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Tramp Press

Holy Mother, whose knowledge knows no bounds, I implore your aid for I am utterly devastated within my heart. Please, enlighten me, is this the essence of love? Does it measure my days like the shadow on a mountain, casting its presence upon me?

I find myself on a remote island off the West coast of Ireland in the 1970s, where destiny has led me to cross paths with a young woman. Her long hair, so blonde it appears white, captivates my attention, and I cannot help but be drawn to her. Through the course of our friendship, a world of possibilities unfolds before me, offering an escape from the monotony of my existence.

Yet, as with any journey, there is risk and peril lurking in the shadows. The girl and her companions are on a journey of their own, seeking solace and adventure in the unknown. As I become entangled in their lives, I realize that the choices I make could have profound consequences, shaping the course of my future and the lives of those around me.

In this captivating novel by Juanita Casey, the author draws upon her own experiences and speaks for the marginalized community she belongs to. Through a feminist and class-conscious lens, Casey explores the eternal choices faced by youth, between the comfort of a stifling domesticity and the promise and risk of the uncharted. The West of Ireland serves as a backdrop for this tale, its wildness mirroring the untamed spirit of the characters and the choices they must make.

Casey's writing is a testament to her talent and her ability to capture the essence of human experience. Her prose is rich and evocative, transporting readers to the heart of the story and immersing them in the characters' lives. With her debut novel, she has earned a place alongside such renowned writers as JM Synge and Kevin Barry, forging a connection between the two that has been overlooked for far too long.

As I reflect upon the events of this novel, I am left with a profound sense of longing and uncertainty. Is love truly capable of causing such destruction within the heart? Or is it merely a reflection of the choices we make and the paths we choose to walk? Only time will tell, and as I continue on my own journey, I will carry the lessons learned from this captivating story with me.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 136 x 216 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915290007