Hanerwey is the story of Jim Kilmurry's search for a purpose in life. He is aided by the friendship and encouragement he receives from the residents of Hanerwey. While still in school Jim was drawn out of his academic world-view by a rambunctious younger cousin, Patrick Shandon. Patrick, a blur of action to Jim's sedate reflective nature, pulls Jim into actually living his life. Jim always sought concepts to improve society from a theoretical perspective; he now redirected his writing interests to reminding people of life's valuable offerings, which may be become overlooked because they are too familiar. A chance encounter brought the next dramatic reversal for Jim. He meets Bridget Houlihan, a community leader, and is amazed that she noticed him. He felt like the Cheshire Cat, disappearing from view, when girls and later women looked in his direction. He didn't sparkle so they didn't see him. No one saw him until Bridget. Jim relocated to Hanerwey after accepting a position with the town newspaper. His ideal world is achieved, and then confronted by reality. low-key economy; but it also threatens to lay waste to Hanerwey's traditional small town life style. The community debate and a challenge initiated by Jim reveal Ethan as a man driven by a past he desperately wants to deny.