Fiction by John F. Deane
Achill Island
John F. Deane has published several works of fiction, all of which are now out of
print except for the latest book, a novella together with several short stories:

The Heather Fields and Other Stories
published in 2007 by
Blackstaff Press
  • A review in The London Times, of “The Coffin Master and Other
    Stories” : “Deane moulds a cast of strange and pungent
    characters with seeming effortlessness. These are rare tales
    indeed. Perfectly paced, yet full of surprises, they are as
    immediately edifying as the most beloved children’s books.
    Deane is a brave writer and one of the finest living Irish story-
    tellers. Working in that tradition he adds a great deal to it and
    takes just as much as he needs. So, if you’re sitting comfortably,
    read this and then read it to your children”.

•        The Evening Herald : “Ordinary people populate the short stories
of John F. Deane. However, Deane lifts his characters off the pages
with the lyrical tongue of a 21st century sean nos story teller. "The
Coffin Master" is pure Irish story telling at its best, and Deane sets
about his task on even the briefest sketches with all the passion and
gusto of an island poet. A great and unmissable work of talented
understatement, the book has to be bought and read”

  • The New York Times Book Review gave a page to "In the Name
    of the Wolf" and ended by saying: “The strength of this book is
    in its elusive, almost seductive use of fear. As is often the case
    with this suspensful novel, there is a shadow of doubt, a
    suspicion that the evil we fear is not out there at all but deep
    within ourselves”.

The Glasgow Herald: “With his superb collection of short fictions the
Achill-born Dublin-based writer can justifiably lay claim to be the
natural successor of his fellow islander Liam O’Flaherty. A secular
spirituality, allied to an enviable narrative skill make these stories
memorable. The title piece with its nod of homage to Chekhov is a
passion play for our times.” (Reviewing "The Coffin Master")

  • The Irish Times: Eileen Battersby interview, October 26, 2002:
    “Poet and novelist John F. Deane uses language with a purpose.
    Despite its serious intent, the impact is beautiful and challenging”.