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Robert E. Kearns is the author of novels, Hy Brasil: Island of Eternity, Crabb, Carnivore, Freedom is for the Few, Ossuary, Embers, A Donnybrook Affair, and Lost and Found.
Robert lives and writes in Dublin.
Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
The Tan Yards by Robert E. Kearns is a captivating story set in 1980s Dublin, focusing on a group of teenagers, a part of the community who meet up for their annual Halloween bonfire at a spot called the Tan Yards. They usually gather at this spot throughout October from 4 pm till late evening. The main character, Keano, and his friends look forward to this tradition each year, enjoying their time together. However, a few days into this year's Halloween, everything changes when Victor Prizeman, a local bully, shows up and disrupts their fun. His aggressive behavior and claim to the Tan Yards create tension among the group. He insists that his family has a long history connected to the area. The story takes a chilling turn as the narrator recounts the grim fate of Victor’s ancestor, Jasper Prizeman, a tyrannical tanner whose death centuries ago is shrouded in mystery. As Victor's tyranny escalates, Keano is driven to desperate measures, mirroring the dark history of Victor's ancestor. The narrative cleverly intertwines the past and present, merging elements of horror and history while exploring themes of power, tradition, and the desire for revenge.
I found The Tan Yards to be an engaging and thought-provoking story with an atmospheric quality that lingers after reading. Robert E. Kearns does a fantastic job of blending a coming-of-age story with spooky elements and historical details. The way he contrasts the eerie happening at the Tan Yards with the characters' emotions makes the story feel rich and layered. Keano and Victor are particularly well-developed, and Keano's inner struggles add an intriguing psychological angle to the plot. The pacing kept me hooked, gradually building suspense as the conflict escalated between Keano and Victor. The flashback to Jasper's story enhances the main plot, adding depth to the characters' actions and decisions. While some readers might find the darker themes a bit intense, those who enjoy stories with a hint of horror and psychological complexity will find The Tan Yards to be a rewarding read. Kearns's writing flows beautifully, with vivid imagery that truly brings the haunting landscape to life. It encourages me to think about the effects of history and the darker sides of tradition.
