The themes of childhood, love, marriage and community in Ireland run through this collection of the finest of Frank O'Connor's short stories. Skilfully constructed, they are infused with all the humour and insight which has become a hallmark of O'Connor's work. Activities help students to explore the text and writing assignments provide practice for structured responses.Larry is used to having his mother's undivided attention while his father is away with the army. But things change when his father returns from the war . . .Brother Arnold knows that Brother Michael is keeping some kind of secret - but when he discovers what it is, he, too, finds himself getting drawn in . . .Jimmy Garvin is the apple of his mother's eye, brought up to be all the things his errant father isn't. But when Jimmy goes to visit his father in England it is only a matter of time before the changes set in.