The Good People

 

Shirley J.                Adult Fictionalization of a true story                   Fairy Folk, Changelings, Healers

The Good People by Hannah Kent     400 pages

Based on true events, this is an excellently told story of life in a small rural community in 19th century Ireland.   The residents, while adhering to their Catholic teachings still hold to the old ways and while the parish priest preaches against belief in fairy folk and folk cures, the residents have grown up on a strong belief that if bad things are happening (crops fail, women miscarry, etc.) it is because the fairy folk are peeved and taking it out on humans and their animals (ie. the hens won't lay, the cows' milk dries up, etc.).  So like many cultures, while believing strongly in their Catholic faith, they cling to the pagan beliefs they grew up hearing about, too.   A fascinating story of poverty, famine, the belief in fairy folk and changelings (creatures identical to a human baby or child that fairy folk sometimes exchange for human babies/children) and the swift and merciless retaliation of the Catholic church in combating these beliefs.    Well told gripping story.  I recommend this one for mature middle schoolers on up.  Really good story to the very last page.