THE ELEPHANT AND THE KANGAROO

The Announcement by the Archangel Michael of the coming of a second flood brings into play all the theories, and their practice, of scientifically minded English Mr. White, as he sets about building an ark on an Irish farm. With his landlords, Mike and Mrs. O'Callaghan, and their ability to mishandle his plans, Mr. White encounters a series of cyclonic problems in attempting to carry out his projects;- the choice of animals, necessary cargo and the stupendous job of converting an old barn into an ark. There is the bitterly contemptuous attitude of the town, the strange misadventures -- before and after the flood -- and the promise the rainbow brings as they are picked up at sea. A stinging commentary on the contrasts of English and Gaelic character, a preoccupation with encyclopedic detail, this is perhaps not as happy, but a madder flight of fancy than earlier books, lacking wide appeal.