The Irishman

The first paragraph of Elizabeth O'Connor's novel 'The Irishman' reads: "The boy walked alone, following the dusty path from the river, his lips drawn into a silent whistle, his bare feet scuffing at the loose soil, sending it in soft brown billows in front of him. He passed the joss-house and looked sideways, barely turning his head. Sometimes, if no one was about, he and his mates would slide stealthily in the door to look at the strange, doll-like gods that sat with fat complacence upon the broad altar. To stretch tentative fingers towards the rich gold leaf. To watch the changing colors in the facets of the long glass beads that swayed and glinted with every breath of air. But today Michael was aware of eyes that watched him intently, of a smooth oriental face - unsmiling. He hurried on, his whistle suddenly shrill, his head flung defiantly high."

Featured in On Location with 'The Irishman' (2006)