The Green Fool, a semi-autobiographical novel by Irish poet and writer Patrick Kavanagh, was first published in 1938. The book offers a candid and picturesque account of rural life in Ireland, as seen through the eyes of Kavanagh himself. Set in rural Ireland, it captures the essence of the author's early life and experiences in a farming community in County Monaghan.

Kavanagh's narrative is rich with descriptions of the Irish landscape, portraying the beauty and harshness of rural existence. The book delves into themes of nature, poverty, and the simplicity of country life, juxtaposed with Kavanagh's aspirations and his eventual disillusionment with the pastoral ideal. The Green Fool is noted for its lyrical prose and the author's ability to convey a deep connection with the land and its people.

While the novel is laced with humor and wit, it also reflects Kavanagh's critical view of the romanticized notion of rural Ireland, offering a more realistic and sometimes sobering portrayal. The work is a significant contribution to Irish literature, providing insight into the social and cultural fabric of the Irish countryside during the early 20th century.