The Dead Boxer: The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two

A historical fiction novel likely written in the mid-19th century. The narrative centers around John O'Rorke, known as Lamh Laudher (or Strong-handed O'Rorke), a physically strong young man navigating the challenges of life in a rural Irish community marked by factional rivalries and superstition. The story unfolds against a backdrop of social tensions and employs themes of love, honor, and the struggle for redemption, particularly as O'Rorke becomes embroiled in conflicts stemming from his family's history and his own romantic entanglements. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Lamh Laudher as he sets off to meet a young woman named Ellen Neil. Their relationship is complicated by family feuds and societal expectations, creating an atmosphere rife with tension. Lamh encounters Nell M'Collum, an enigmatic figure associated with witchcraft and superstition, who harbors a deep resentment against his family due to past grievances. Their interaction hints at darker foreboding events, suggesting that Nell's presence is both a physical and metaphorical shadow over Lamh's life. As the narrative progresses, themes of female power, love entangled with social fate, and the weight of familial loyalty begin to surface, setting up the stage for the conflicts that will challenge Lamh's character and resolve.