
audiobook
by Martin Ross, E. Oe. (Edith Oenone) Somerville
A newly appointed Resident Magistrate arrives in the Irish countryside full of hope, freshly married and eager to make a fresh start. He trades the polished corridors of city life for a ramshackle estate that promises shooting grounds, a roof that still holds, and endless possibilities—at least on paper. The moment he steps through the door, the house greets him with creaking hinges, damp floors and a chorus of quirky locals who seem determined to test his resolve.
The narrative follows his early trials: a feuding plumber and carpenter turning renovations into a battlefield, a no‑nonsense housekeeper named Cadogan who rules the household with a curtsey and a cracked cap, and the ever‑present rain that seeps through broken eaves. Through sharp wit and gentle self‑deprecation, the magistrate learns the art of surviving in a community where tradition, humor, and stubbornness intertwine, offering listeners a charming glimpse into the everyday absurdities of rural Irish life.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (403K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-01-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1862–1915
Best known by the pen name Martin Ross, she was one half of the celebrated Irish writing duo Somerville and Ross, whose witty stories of country life helped shape modern Irish comic fiction. Her work blends sharp observation, humor, and a real feel for the people and places of Ireland.
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1858–1949
Best known for the lively Irish stories she wrote with her cousin Martin Ross, this Anglo-Irish novelist also painted, traveled widely, and brought a sharp eye for country life to her work. Her books mix comedy, social observation, and a real feel for place.
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