An Irish classic piece of literature, as brilliant and moving an Irish novel as you will ever find McCabe's voice is so unique and gripping it's hard...moreAn Irish classic piece of literature, as brilliant and moving an Irish novel as you will ever find McCabe's voice is so unique and gripping it's hard to say he has a living contemporary. A story about madness and childhood but overall - what it means to be human. (less)
A history of Hollywood, which I am currently researching for the last in my Ellis Island trilogy, Land of Dreams. Captivating stories and wonderful an...moreA history of Hollywood, which I am currently researching for the last in my Ellis Island trilogy, Land of Dreams. Captivating stories and wonderful anecdotes - very comprehensive and meticulously researched. (less)
This classic Irish cookery book from a largely ignored cookery writer/novelist/playright/broadcaster - and original 1940's renaissance women the legen...moreThis classic Irish cookery book from a largely ignored cookery writer/novelist/playright/broadcaster - and original 1940's renaissance women the legend Maura Laverty -still has no equal. And the personal stories at the beginning of each chapter are great, harking back to days when we called into each other's kitchens and still coked all our dinners from scratch with ingredients from our own gardens. My dog-eared copy was inherited by an aunt, but thankfully it is still in print so I have a stack of them that I give as gifts as for anyone who is interested in good, home cooking. (less)
The most underrated Irish novelist ever. This is a totally charming story told through the eyes of a young boy who is the son of Irish hippies. Beyond...moreThe most underrated Irish novelist ever. This is a totally charming story told through the eyes of a young boy who is the son of Irish hippies. Beyond cool. Ronan always has a slightly offbeat picture of Ireland that is refreshingly modern while capturing who we really are. Read it. Then go and get all his other books and read them too. (less)
Absolutely loved this book - hilarious and required reading for every woman who has ever owned a pair of too-small pants. I was SO not expecting much...moreAbsolutely loved this book - hilarious and required reading for every woman who has ever owned a pair of too-small pants. I was SO not expecting much from this book - London media hacks are not my fave authors (probably because I was one myself for years) and after all the hype I went in totally cynical. It outstripped all that by page two. I found it as engaging, entertaining and thought provoking as any of the best novels I have ever read. Ever. (less)
This bunch of essays has become an invaulable resource for me as a novelist writing about Irish America from the 1920's to the 1940's. Quinn is a cunn...moreThis bunch of essays has become an invaulable resource for me as a novelist writing about Irish America from the 1920's to the 1940's. Quinn is a cunning historian hiding fact in fascinating stories - but this is not one of his novels, instead it's an exploration of his own past as an Irish American - equally as gripping as his works of fiction. Very entertaining and informative. (less)
A beautiful, romantic read set in contemporary Dublin. Full of fun and laughter - and something really different here - a beautifully crafted, well wr...moreA beautiful, romantic read set in contemporary Dublin. Full of fun and laughter - and something really different here - a beautifully crafted, well written yet highly entertaining holiday read. (less)
I can't even begin to describe how much I love this book. I love cake - of course - and I am - I have to confess - a good baker - which means that I h...moreI can't even begin to describe how much I love this book. I love cake - of course - and I am - I have to confess - a good baker - which means that I hate most formal recipe book because they make the whole thing seen so convoluted and complicated. Keyes not only introduced me to recipes that I actually wanted to make, but her witty, friendly style guided me through them in a way that made even the most complicated thing - macaroons - like I would NEVER have attempted them before this book - seem simple and straightforward. I am not baking every other day and don;t plan to steop until I have tried every recipes in this fabulous book. (less)
An accomplished and evocative first novel. I spent many childhood Summers in Longford, where the book is set, and McKeown hasreally captured something...moreAn accomplished and evocative first novel. I spent many childhood Summers in Longford, where the book is set, and McKeown hasreally captured something about the county and the people.(less)
In my opinion McCabe has no equal in capturing the unique nature of the true Irish vernacular. Even if nothing were to happen in his books (which it m...moreIn my opinion McCabe has no equal in capturing the unique nature of the true Irish vernacular. Even if nothing were to happen in his books (which it most certainly does) his style of writing is like listening to a favorite uncle, I could just sit and read it all day long. In fact, you don;t read his books - you HEAR them. Stray Sod is laugh out loud with the dark, mysterious undertones that have become his trademark. Gripping, compelling - read it on my Kindle and couldn't put it down and I am supposed to be finishing a novel myself right now!(less)
This is a really pacy, holiday read by a first time author - self published but I really enjoyed it. Didn't like the cover but then you know what they...moreThis is a really pacy, holiday read by a first time author - self published but I really enjoyed it. Didn't like the cover but then you know what they say - never judge a book etc! (less)
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