Safe Return Doubtful

Published 2024

Despite a cartoon like premise, Hession continues his trademark themes of intrigue and solace in his third novel.

A mountain appears overnight, though not very high, though it must be 600 metres for the accepted definition. But that’s a triviality, and misses the point of the appearance of the Ghost Mountain all together. In fact the narrator, a resident of the unnamed town, tells us not to dwell on the mountain itself; enough that it is limpet-shaped. Rather, the novel is about the effect the mountain has on the community.

And they are a quirky set of characters indeed. Elaine, out walking her dog, first reports it to the police, and within a few days sightseers arrive, disrupting the routine of the town. The Clerk of Maps comes into his own, as he gets to speak publicly on contour lines, assisted in his job by the town drunk, Dominic, so much that it changes his life completely.

It’s a really boom time for Irish literature at the moment and Hession is a big part of that, something of an Indie sensation. He writes about people often forgotten by society and literature, who lead quiet lives with highs and lows, their elation and their tribulation. Eccentrics abound, and the ultimate result is always charming.

This is the best of his three books so far, with its character sketches of tenderness and thoughtfulness, and yet not shying away from their more negative traits; lying, cheating, law-breaking. A timely reminder that those around us maybe suffering, maybe celebrating, and merit empathy and kindness.

My GoodReads score 5 / 5