Shadow and Substance : Kessinger Publishing : 9781162756127 : 1162756128 : 10 Sep 2010 : Shadow and Substance is a novel written by Paul Vincent Carroll. The book revolves around the life of a young Irish girl named Mary Byrne, who is trying to find her place in the world. Mary is a kind and compassionate person who has always been interested in helping others. She decides to leave her small village in Ireland to move to London in search of a better life.In London, Mary meets a diverse group of people, each with their own struggles and challenges. She becomes involved in the lives of these people, helping them in any way she can. However, Mary soon realizes that life in the big city is not as easy as she thought it would be. She is faced with poverty, discrimination, and the harsh realities of life.Despite the challenges, Mary remains determined to make a difference in the lives of those around her. She fights against injustice and inequality, and her efforts make a significant impact