Stories may begin as entertainment, but in fact they can actually portray change in the way of life. Through careful ethnographic observation, Cashman (English and folklore, Ohio State Univ.) uses stories to capture life in Aghyaran, a small town on the northern Irish border. He analyzes the stories and the traditions of ceilis (i.e., get-togethers) and wakes, offering a glimpse into a community and its social life as he contemplates the lasting effects of oral narrative. Throughout, the author draws on the work of linguists and anthropologists such as Richard Bauman and Franz Boas to analyze the values and themes revealed through the narratives presented. By concentrating on particular individuals, Cashman depicts types of characters; but he goes far beyond this to observe the importance of context and genre of stories as well as the role of local character anecdotes. Offering much more than stories traded by friends and family, Cashman delves into the differences in political and religious identities of the region to paint a complete picture of the role of narrative. An intriguing read for those interested in folklore, ethnography, and the role of stories in shaping a community. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers. -CHOICE