SOURCE: Clancy, Ambrose. “Irish Elsewheres.” Nation 266 (23 March 1998): 33, 36.

In the following excerpt from a review of The Springs of Affection and works by two other authors, Clancy discusses Brennan's controlled writing and her delineation of her characters' deepest thoughts.

It seems a guest staying at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, has just eased into his morning bath when a knock comes from the hall door. A young man's voice: “Message for you, sir.” The guest sinks deeper in the tub, calling out, “Just slip it under the door.” Long pause. Then: “I would, sir. Only, you see, it's on this silver plate.”

Funny, yes. But it's a joke with different meanings, depending on the teller. One interpretation is that the porter is a donkey. Another is that the poor fellow is so cowed by authority that he obeys orders to the letter and will live his life in a halter...