Penguin Classics is proud to welcome William Trevor—”Ireland’s answer to Chekhov” (The Boston Globe) and “one of the best writers of our era” (The Washington Post)—to our distinguished list of literary masters. In this award-winning novel, an informer’s body is found on the estate of a wealthy Irish family shortly after the First World War, and an appalling cycle of revenge is set in motion. Led by a zealous sergeant, the Black and Tans set fire to the family home, and only young Willie and his mother escape alive. Fatherless, Willie grows into manhood while his alcoholic mother’s bitter resentment festers. And though he finds love, Willie is unable to leave the terrible injuries of the past behind.
First time in Penguin Classics
Winner of the Whitbread Novel of the Year Award
About Fools of Fortune
Penguin Classics is proud to welcome William Trevor—”Ireland’s answer to Chekhov” (The Boston Globe) and “one of the best writers of our era” (The Washington Post)—to our distinguished list of literary masters. In this award-winning novel, an informer’s body is found on the estate of a wealthy Irish family shortly after the First World War, and an appalling cycle of revenge is set in motion. Led by a zealous sergeant, the Black and Tans set fire to the family home, and only young Willie and his mother escape alive. Fatherless, Willie grows into manhood while his alcoholic mother’s bitter resentment festers. And though he finds love, Willie is unable to leave the terrible injuries of the past behind.
William Trevor was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, and spent his childhood in provincial Ireland. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin. He has written many novels and short story collections and has won many prizes, including the Hawthornden Prize and… More about William Trevor
About William Trevor
William Trevor was born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, and spent his childhood in provincial Ireland. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin. He has written many novels and short story collections and has won many prizes, including the Hawthornden Prize and… More about William Trevor
