Changing Winds A Novel

"Changing Winds" by St. John G. Ervine is a story that follows Mr. Quinn, a passionate man from Northern Ireland, as he struggles with who he is, what he believes about his community, and what he hopes for his son, Henry. The book looks at ideas such as loyalty to one's country, being true to yourself, and the conflict between old ways and new ideas, all shown through Mr. Quinn's strong opinions and his connection with Henry. The story begins by showing Mr. Quinn's personality through his conversations with William Henry Matier, a gardener who has worked for him a long time, where Mr. Quinn’s solid political beliefs clash with what others think he should believe. As he thinks about his mistakes and how society is changing, we see how proud he is of being Irish and how much he dislikes English customs, and the influence of his deceased wife and the hopes he has for his son's future, promising a family relationship filled with love and conflict since Mr. Quinn wants to pass on his values to Henry, who is just beginning to figure out who he is.