Una stella di nome Henry

july marks 100 years since the end of the irish war of independence, so a perfect time to do a reread. i first read this back in 2013, years before i moved to dublin. i loved the story then, but it resonated with me much more this time around, now that i have personally walked where the characters w Leggi tutto

I love roddy doyle. I first read this book 10years ago and loved his cheeky, straight to the point or pull on the heartstings ways. I have re read a few time but not over the past 4/5 years. Its a keeper and i wish i could read it for the first time all over again. This boys journey through his youn Leggi tutto

After a brilliant opening, I'm afraid this book lost me. I didn't end up caring about anyone or any situation. A great pity, especially considering that I found Doyle's other Irish-influenced fiction to be top rate. Maybe this side-turn into historical epic is some sort of achiles' heel...?

Henry Smart is an unforgettable character, ranking in my book with the likes of Oscar Matzerath, Ignatius J. Reilly and Aureliano Buendia. And this book is a great primer on the Easter Rebellion and the Irish War of Independence, exposing oppressor and oppressed alike as cold blooded killers. Henry S Leggi tutto