Ireland has suffered many extraordinary changes during the last decades that have made the
Emerald Isle a geographical point upon which all eyes are fixed. Despite this metamorphosis, the
question is if its population and cultural heritage have been able to cope with the times. Known as a
traditionally catholic and conservative country, many social aspects remain unchangeable and those
that have evolved may still keep an inner glimpse of the old times that is not always easily
recognizable.
Undoubtedly, women and all subjects related to them have experienced a revolution. However, data
show that true equality is still far from being reached. In this context, literature must be taken as a
powerful cultural force that helps create stereotypes and a popular conscience. Thus, this article
analyses the success of what has been called “women’s literature”, especially Marian Keyes’ and
Cathy Kelly’s bestselling books. It also tries to examine to what extent the traditional ideologies of
womanhood are present and by which means their female protagonists attach to the old stereotypes
under a mask of modernity and economic boom. Finally, their effects on the female Irish population
will also be studied in order to demonstrate that globalization and modern capitalism prove to be
unable to change the old myths that lie beneath and keep women in a relegated position.
