Edith Hopkins’s story is told by way of a novella which traces her life of more than
eight decades by reference to the pivotal moments in that life. The story touches on
vital social and moral issues which have beset Ireland for the greater part of a
century; the role of women in our society and the mistreatment of them through the
horrors of so-called Mother & Baby Homes and the collateral world of forced
adoptions. Edith Hopkins is an everywoman in one way but in another more
important fashion she has a unique story to tell.
The six short stories which accompany the novella in the same volume vary in theme
and content and are variously humorous and dark and thought-provoking.