A big, healthy Irish novel, in a tale of fisher folk whose lives are complicated by the chance arrival -- half drowned -- of the Norwayman. Maire and Mike had come to the island of Manister to be alone in their first months of marriage, but their hopes are blasted as some come by accident, some by invitation. There's a group of weathered fishermen, who come for the trawling season, and spend their take ashore. There's the beautiful, gay, often lascivious Mai Hogan, wished on the young couple by Father John, who thinks she needs a family. Cross currents are set in motion, with Maire disturbed by the Norwayman's passion, and Mai intent on seducing Mike. All is eventually resolved -- in ultimately uncomplicated manner. There's a feel for place and mood and people that makes this not unlike the Ruth Moore (The Weir, etc.) novels in appeal, with- if you like it- the added color of the Gaelic tongue.