The Interval by Vincent O'Sullivan
The Interval is a novel by Vincent O'Sullivan, set in the fictional town of Ballydowd, Ireland. It tells the story of a young man, Michael, who returns to his hometown after a long absence. He is determined to make a fresh start and to find a new purpose in life. Michael soon discovers that his home town is not the same as it used to be. The people he once knew have changed, and the town itself is in a state of decline. He finds himself drawn into a web of secrets and lies, and soon discovers that the town is in the grip of a powerful and mysterious force. Michael must confront his own demons and the dark secrets of Ballydowd in order to find his place in the world. Along the way, he discovers the power of friendship, love, and hope, and learns that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way forward.
By Vincent O'Sullivan · First published 1905 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance · 2,464 words
First lines
MRS. WILTON passed through a little alley leading from one of the gates which are around Regent's Park, and came out on the wide and quiet street. She walked along slowly, peering anxiously from side to side so as not to overlook the number. She pulled her furs closer round her; after her years in India this London damp seemed very harsh. Still, it was not a fog to-day. A dense haze, gray and tinged ruddy, lay between the houses, sometimes blowing with a little wet kiss against the face. Mrs. Wilton's hair and eyelashes and her furs were powdered with tiny drops. But there was nothing in the weather to blur the sight; she could see the faces of people some distance off and read the signs on the shops.
What this Textopian page supports
The Interval is listed on Textopian as a short story by Vincent O'Sullivan, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Vincent O'Sullivan
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Mystery
- Length: 2,464 words
- Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Interval by Vincent O'Sullivan
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Interval?
- How does this short story by Vincent O'Sullivan fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The Interval is a literary fiction novel that follows the story of a man's journey of self-discovery and his exploration of the complexities of life.
- Drama — The Interval is a dramatic novel that follows the protagonist's struggles with his inner demons and his attempts to make sense of the world around him.
- Romance — The Interval is a romantic novel that follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and his exploration of the complexities of love and relationships.
- Mystery — The Interval is a mystery novel that follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and his attempts to uncover the truth about his past.
Tags
mystery · suspense · psychological · drama · literary fiction · character study · relationships · conflict · identity · emotional depth · narrative style · tension