This collection is a testament to the lives of gay women and men in Ireland over the past few decades. Some talk about fear and pain, lives that are maimed emotionally and psychologically, decisions postponed, secrecy and shame. They talk about the search for love and sexual self-realization in a dark time. These powerful and moving stories are useful now, not only as history, but as part of what is happening in Ireland today, Glen O'Brien is the author of Praying from the Margins: Gospel Reflections of a Gay Man. Colm Toíbín is an award-winnng Irish writer and author.