Untilled Field by George Moore is a beautifully written collection of short stories that explores the lives of individuals struggling with love, duty, and societal expectations in late 19th century Ireland. The characters are richly developed and Moore does a fantastic job of capturing the complex emotions and inner turmoil they face.

Each story is unique and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals from different walks of life. From the poignant tale of a young woman torn between duty and desire, to the humorous account of a bumbling doctor trying to navigate a love triangle, each story is engaging and well-crafted.

Moore's writing is lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader into the world he has created with vivid descriptions and emotive language. The stories are both entertaining and poignant, making Untilled Field a compelling read that will linger in your thoughts long after you finish the final page.

Overall, Untilled Field is a masterful collection of stories that showcases Moore's talent for storytelling and his keen insight into human nature. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Book Description:
George Moore, an Irish writer involved with the Celtic Revival was influenced by the French Realists and particularly by the work of Émile Zola. Often considered as the first modern Irish novelist he became involved with Lady Gregory and William Butler Yeats in the establishment of the Irish Literary Theatre. As part of his involvement with the Literary Revival, he wrote a set of short stories set in Ireland, drawn from his experiences growing up on his family’s estates in Co. Mayo. The stories were intended to be translated into Irish as a part of a new tradition of Gaelic Literature.
The stories were later published in English as The Untilled Field, in 1903. Moore was initially influenced by Ivan Turgenyev’s collection of short stories, Tales of a Sportsman and in turn they are thought to have been an influence on James Joyce’s Dubliners collection. Moore’s stories look at Irish rural life at the end of the 19th Century and examines the role that the clergy played in the lives of those who remained after mass emigration denuded the Irish countryside.