num_pages: 192
description: An informer's body is found on the estate of a wealthy Irish family shortly after the First World War, and an appalling cycle of revenge is set in motion. Led by a zealous sergeant, the Black and Tans set fire to the family home, and only young Willie and his mother escape alive. Fatherless, Willie grows into manhood while his alcoholic mother's bitter resentment festers. And though he finds love, Willie is unable to leave the terrible injuries of the past behind.
language: English
title: Fools of Fortune
titlecomplete: Fools of Fortune
characters: Marianne Woodcombe, Willie Quinton
genres: Fiction, Ireland, Historical, Literature, Classics, Novels, Irish Literature, Historical Fiction, 20th Century, Literary Fiction
ratings_count: 1215
places: Ireland
awards: awardedAt: 410256000000
name: Whitbread Award
category: Novel
publisher: Penguin Books