Reviews for Strictly Business: More Stories of the Four Million

The average rating for Strictly Business: More Stories of the Four Million based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-03-17 00:00:00 Michael Banks These are gently paced stories that create pictures of country life. Moore was an observer rather than a participant in this life, in that his people were landed, but his stories do not ridicule the poor. The power of the parish priest is evident, as is Moore's lack of respect for this figure, but the parishioners do not exhibit dog-like obedience at all times. The stories show resistance as well, and while I wouldn't say the collection presents a fully drawn image of rural life, the stories have real charm.

Review # 2 was written on 2016-11-16 00:00:00 Brent S Adkins Although Frank O'Connor and James Joyce are more accomplished short-story writers, Moore's "The Untilled Field" is a sharp and fascinating look at Ireland at the last turn of the century (19th to 20th). The work is a "Winesburg, Ohio" hybrid--in other words, part short-story collection and part novel. The dominant theme is the dominance of the church in Irish life and culture. Is the church stifling art, Gaelic culture, job opportunities--is its hold on Ireland leading to mass migration to America, encroaching Protestantism, and the loss of a true Irish heritage? "The Untilled Field" renders this period in Irish history vivid through the stories of individuals, including members of the clergy.