W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
John Sherman; and, Dhoya
"John Sherman, and Dhoja" by Ganconagh is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative begins in the Irish town of Ballah and focuses on the life of John Sherman, a young man grappling with his identity, relationships, and aspirations amidst a backdrop of local color and poignant memories. The themes of ambition, love, and societal expectation permeate the storyline, with Sherman’s interactions with figures such as the enigmatic Mary Carton, whose strong friendship complicates his emotional landscape. At the start of the story, John Sherman is introduced as a clerical guest at the Imperial Hotel in Ballah, feeling out of place in the sleepy town. The narrative unfolds as Sherman interacts with the locals, expresses his frustrations, and reflects on his desire for a more meaningful existence, while contemplating an offer from his uncle in London. The opening segment establishes Sherman’s conflicted state of mind—he longs for connection, grapples with societal pressures, and yearns for a life that allows for personal exploration, setting the stage for the internal and external conflicts he will face throughout the novel.