"I belong to the middle class that grew up very influenced by the Catholic church. The people of the novel are from a more pagan and practical world in which the Christianity is just a veneer"

John McGahern's quote speaks with the contrast between his own upbringing and the world of his novel. He grew up in a middle class family that was greatly affected by the Catholic Church, while the characters in his unique originated from a more pagan and practical world. Christianity is present in their lives, however it is just a superficial layer, a veneer that does not have a deep impact on their lives. This quote highlights the distinctions in between the two worlds, and how the characters in his book are not as deeply affected by Christianity as he was in his own life. It likewise talks to the concept that faith can be a powerful force in one's life, however it can likewise be a superficial layer that does not have an enduring impact.