This book is an insightful analysis, from the perspectives of both clergy and laity, of the state of the Catholic Church in southern Ireland today. The book also attempts to unravel some of the moral complexities which have arisen in the wake of Vatican II. The book also offers a reasoned discussion of Catholicism today with partiucular reference to southern Ireland and its myriad social and political issues including the Presidency of Mary Robinson, the Bishop Casey affair, contraception, abortion, women priests and married clergy. Alice Thomas Ellis received a Welsh Council Arts award and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize on two occasions.