Tag: Off the shelf
Off the Shelf: The 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
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: The Padre – The True Story of the Irish Priest Who Armed the IRA with Gaddaffi’s Money
Review by Terry Kenneally The Padre – The True Story of the Irish Priest Who Armed the IRA with Gaddaffi’s Money By Jennifer O’LearyMerrion Press ISBN978178537461602023 254 pp. The Padre […]
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
“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 […]
Off the Shelf: The Queen of Dirt Island
By Donal RyanViking Publisher ISBN 9780593652930 2023 244 pp. Review by Terrence J. Kenneally One of this columns favorite Irish novelists’ latest book is full of heart and spark, but […]
Off the Shelf: My Father’s House
Off the Shelf: My Father’s HouseBy Joseph O’Connor, Europa Editions, ISBN-978-1-60945-835-5Review by Terry Kenneally From the acclaimed, best-selling author of Star of the Sea and winner of the 2021 Irish […]
Off the Shelf: We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland
Off the Shelf: We Don’t Know Ourselves a Personal History of Modern IrelandBy Fintan O’Toole Livewright Publishing ISBN 978-1-63149-653-0 2021 616 pp. Review by Terrence J. Kenneally O’Toole, who has […]