CURRENT ISSUE:  OCTOBER 2023

Off the Shelf: The Plague of Souls

Plague of souls

The Plague of Souls By Mike McCormack Soho Press ISBN 978-1-64129-578-9 177 pp 2023 Review by Terrence J. Kenneally As the novel opens, Nealon (it’s protagonist) is returning to his […]

Off the Shelf: Absolution

Book Cover pic

By Terry Kenneally Off the Shelf: AbsolutionBy Alice McDermottFarrar, Straus, and Giroux. ISBN 9780374610487 2023 324 pp. Alice McDermott has long been recognized for her portraits of mid-20th-century life, with […]

Off the Shelf: So Late in the Day

Discover Claire Keegan’s latest work, “So Late in the Day,” a powerful character study delving into themes of misogyny and its destructive impact. Award-winning and succinct, this 47-page novella explores personal flaws, societal challenges, and the pursuit of happiness. Dive into Keegan’s rich narrative that captures the complexities of human relationships and the echoes of Ireland’s historical context.

Off the Shelf: A Thread of Violence

Mark O’Connell’s book, “A Thread of Violence,” takes a riveting departure from typical Irish literature, focusing on Malcolm Macarthur’s notorious crimes in 1982. Born into privilege, Macarthur’s descent into heinous acts, including the brutal murders of Bridie Dargan and Donal Dunne, captivates readers. O’Connell’s gripping narrative, intertwined with historical context, provides a unique perspective on this crime noir.

Off the Shelf: The Paper Man

Cover of the book The Paper Man by Billy O'Callaghan with a field of yellow flower background

“The Paper Man” by Billie O’Callaghan is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that unfolds a love story set against the backdrop of pivotal world events. The book takes readers on a journey through 1980s Cork, Ireland, where protagonist Jack Shive discovers a cache of love letters, revealing a hidden past of a long-dead Austrian immigrant. This story of identity, love, and mystery spans two time frames and two countries, leaving a lasting impact on multiple generations.

Off the Shelf: The Lock-Up

By Terry Kenneally By John Banville Hanover Square Press ISBN-13:978-1-44963-4 2023 315 pp. Review by Terrence Kenneally Quirke, the only name he ever goes by, is the brooding pathologist central […]