The setting is a country called Inish (the Irish word for "island" and also for "tell"), which bears a striking resemblance to modern Eire. More pertinently, Inish resembles a state of mind—and since the mind has a tendency to wander, it's not unnatural that certain scenes take place in Australia, Iceland, and the desolate Arrack Mines. First published in 1966, revolving musically around three separate identities and the idea of identity itself, Mr. Share's novel can, perhaps, be best described as a metaphysical farce.

The setting is a country called Inish (the Irish word for "island" and also for "tell"), which bears a striking resemblance to modern Eire. More pertinently, Inish resembles a state of mind—and since the mind has a tendency to wander, it's not unnatural that certain scenes take place in Australia, Iceland, and the desolate Arrack Mines. First published in 1966, revolving musically around three separate identities and the idea of identity itself, Mr. Share's novel can, perhaps, be best described as a metaphysical farce.