Roddy Doyle has done his part to continue this. Of course, when the lovely lass I married accompanied me there last year to celebrate a round-number anniversary, I can be forgiven for thinking about it even more, right? Beyond the history, scenery, culture, silver-tongued locals and tasty libations, there’s the draw of their proud literary tradition. 15), my thoughts often turn towards the Emerald Isle. I hate to think that I’m susceptible to some merchandiser’s power of suggestion, but as soon as hearts and Cupids give way to shamrocks and leprechauns (typically Feb. neither.Īpathy is the worst type of feeling a book can give its reader. Who do we side with in this account of playground cruelty & cute impressions? With the bully? The victim? In this case, I would say. This hits several targets to become a well-loved book, but it still remains a coming-of-age story of an Irish imp-a precocious, slightly evil ten year old boy. Indeed Bookers are bestowed upon (like the Pulitzers here in the U.S.) to novels that exemplify the experience of being European (American for a Pulitzer). They keep it private, they try to keep the kids out of it, yet this still registers within Paddy… he’s human alright, just not a remarkable one.

What is the main motor that keeps the prose congruent, that makes the entire novel work? The fact that Patrick’s parents fight. This is a chapterless novel a pretty ordinary account of a pretty ordinary boy. But, although I am not at all a fan of the almighty “Huck Finn”, I must say that this one does not possess that wackiness-there is some unconscious logic to Twain's tale, at the very least.

The tone is more tolerable than say, Emma Donoghue’s “Room” which is also about a child growing up.

There is true mastery of the language here, an even flow. It’s actually entertaining, readable, sometimes funny. But I guess the year this book was published there were a few other, if any, contenders for the top prize.

Well, this one won the Booker, which I can only guess is a HUGE deal. I love to read good books as much as I love to discover which ones are actual impostors-that is, which ones are overrated past the norm, books like “On the Road,” “Catcher in the Rye,” or anything by Ayn Rand. I hate to be facetious about this, but it’s true.

1993 roddy doyle novel paddy clarke