Fiction He may not have been nominated for this year's Booker Prize, much to the surprise of many observers, but with A Star Called Henry, Roddy Doyle has written a book that, for my money, far surpasses Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, the work that won him the prestigious literary award in 1993. Henry Smart is the larger-than-life hero of Doyle's latest work, but it's his infamous … [Read more...] about The Book SHELF: A sampling of the latest Irish books on offer
Non-Fiction
Book Reviews
Skin by E.M. Reapy Elizabeth Reapy’s Natalie is one of those characters who stays with you long after you’ve finished the book she occupies. If “occupies” is even the right word, given Natalie’s preoccupation with not taking up too much space in the world. Fixated on her body and her tendency to binge at times of stress, she takes the reader on a journey – both literal … [Read more...] about Book Reviews
Book Reviews
1,000 Books to Read Before You Die By James Mustich If you can get past what is clearly one of the more intimidating book titles you will ever come across, this volume is a wonder to dip in and out, in small or large doses. And not surprisingly, it is loaded with Irish titles – some classics, others unjustly forgotten. There is, of course, James Joyce (Dubliners, A Portrait … [Read more...] about Book Reviews
Book Reviews
A Sampling of the Latest Irish Books. ℘℘℘ RECOMMENDED The Encyclopedia of Ireland is being dubbed the most comprehensive book to date on Irish life, culture, and history, and leafing through its pages, it's hard to disagree. Arranged in alphabetical order, the Encyclopedia contains more than 5,000 essays written by nearly 1,000 contributors. A random sampling (under G) … [Read more...] about Book Reviews
Book Reviews
A Sampling of the Latest Irish Books. ℘℘℘ RECOMMENDED Providence College Professor of English Charles F. Duffy was planning to teach some Irish American fiction in one of his Modern Irish Literature classes. "Figuring Edwin O'Connor would loom large...I reread The Last Hurrah," Duffy writes, "and then looked around for a biography of the author. To my surprise, no such book … [Read more...] about Book Reviews