"The Valley of the Squinting Windows" is actually a play written by Irish playwright Brinsley MacNamara. It was first published as a novel in 1918 and later adapted into a play that premiered in 1928. The play is set in a fictional Irish village called Garradrimna and depicts the lives of its inhabitants, focusing on themes of gossip, scandal, and societal hypocrisy.

The title "The Valley of the Squinting Windows" refers to the nosy and judgmental nature of the villagers, who metaphorically peer through their windows, scrutinizing the actions of their neighbors. The play explores the consequences of rumor-mongering and the destructive effects of small-town gossip.

"The Valley of the Squinting Windows" caused considerable controversy upon its release due to its portrayal of Irish rural life, and it was even banned in some areas. However, it has since become a classic of Irish literature, known for its sharp social commentary and vivid depiction of village life.