Though the Bodies Fall

Michael Burns lives with his family in an isolated house at Kerry Head on the Irish coast. The area is known for the cliffs which have served as a suicide spot over the years. Michael's grandparents made it their mission to try and help the 'visitors' who came to the cliffs and many lives were saved. This role was passed to Michael's parents, particularly his mother who made the saving of those planning to commit suicide her major role in life.

Though the Bodies Fall by Noel O'Reagan is the story of family and how a feeling of responsibility can overtake the awareness of the needs of other family members.

After his father died, Michael was drafted into assisting his mother with her mission. After finishing school he did escape for a few years but ,when he finally returned home, assisting the 'visitors' became his obsession to the detriment of his relationships with other family members, his career and his health.

The story is revealed in several time frames. As well as viewing events in the present, we see life when Michael and his two sisters were children as well as Michael's failed marriage. The novel deals with how Michael's life deteriorates as his sense of duty to others overtakes his life. Throughout the book the descriptions of the landscape add to the atmosphere of the novel.

Though the Bodies Fall is on the short list for the 2024 James Tait Black Award.