46 h. ago The Adversary by Michael Crummey review – dark humour and depravity at the edge of the Earth

This prize-winning take on a biblical tale set in 1800s Newfoundland is grim, but has energy, empathy – and a wickedly colourful way with wordsSeveral years have passed since Michael Crummey’s last novel The Innocents was published in the UK in 2020. A pandemic has since occurred and, appropriately perhaps, The Adversary begins on a dark note of contagion. “There was a killing sickness on the shore that winter and the only services at the church were funerals,” runs the opening line, setting the tone for a book that plumbs the depths of depravity but – thanks to its energy, and its ripe and adventurous language – never loses a black sense of humour. Having now won the 30th annual Dublin Literary award, worth €100,000, The Adversary is proof that Crummey is beginning to garner the accolades he deserves beyond his native Canada.Crummey hails from Newfoundland; all six of his novels are set there. He understands the power of lashing sea, scouring wind, an eked-out existence far from wh...

Politics

3 d. ago Girl, 10, who died after 'torture' left heartbreaking note begging for help

A little girl who desperately tried to escape the alleged abuse she suffered at home, left her friend a devastating letter begging for help before succumbing to her injuries

Events

3 d. ago Girl, 10, who died after 'torture' left heartbreaking final note

Rebekah Baptiste's lifeless body was found last month by police on a highway with bruises all over her body and missing toenails. The tragic 10-year-old was rushed to hospital but could not be saved

Events

3 d. ago Girl, 10, who died after 'torture' left heartbreaking final note after begging for help

A little girl who desperately tried to escape the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of her father and his girlfriend left her friend a devastating note before she died after suffering horrific injuries

Events

5 d. ago Girl, 10, who died after 'torture' had 'begged teachers not to make her go home'

Rebekah Baptiste, was found injured and lying on a highway by police - she died showing signs of 'child physical abuse, sexual abuse and torture', according to prosecutors

Society

7 d. ago Girl, 10, dies all alone in hospital 'after being tortured to death by father and his girlfriend'

A 10-year-old girl died all alone after she was brutally tortured by her father and his girlfriend, according to police.

Events