Surviving Ireland

by Colm Tobin

Here, comedian Colm Tobin unmasks the true essence of this mysterious mist-green land with its jagged teddy-bear outline, lurking guiltily to the Western edge of Europe. Are the Irish really the slick, upwardly-mobile, bright-young things of Europe with the skinny jeans and the unnecessary spectacles? Or are they the slack-jawed simpletons you see staring toothlessly out of postcards, patting their donkeys, patiently waiting for death? Irishness means more than merely holding a passport with a harp on it. Some say you can hear Irishness in the lonesome lilt of uileann pipes. That you can smell it in the farts of a billion Guinness drinkers. Look hard enough and you can see it winking back at you from the shimmering, oily thighs of Michael Flatley. But what is it, really? It’s safe to say that Ireland is no longer just a physical place. Who are the Irish people now and where are they going? And who in the name of sweet Jesus is going to pay for it all?

Genres: Humor, Ireland, Irish Literature, Travel

249 pages, Hardcover

First published October 8, 2015

Reviews

[Noah Oanh]

Colm defo knows how to laugh at himself and laugh at his own country wherenever it suits. But also it is him who who loves Ireland so much that I think he would hope via his words Ireland in the future would be much better. It you love a bit of self-deprivacating humor this one is all yours.

[Vicki]

Funny insight to the Irish especially after a recent trip to Ireland.

[Sharon]

Had some laugh out loud moments, but for someone who has never been to Ireland, some parts went straight over my head.
One for the Irish

[Jeff]

Funny, but not too helpful if you don't already have a pretty good understanding of Irish culture. Not recommended as a travel book.

[Brenden Gallagher]

This book is written in the lightly humorous style that was so popular in America in the 90s and is currently practiced in its worse possible form by Andy Borowitz. It was not for me, but the writer has clear ability, but his talents seem best put to other purposes.

[Mckinley]

For those non-Irish living in Ireland and Irish living abroad. Lots of inside humor.

[Ian]

Funny in patches but only if you grew up in Ireland . It is a tad long even at only 250ish pages.

Worth reading but ultimately forgettable

[Shawn]

A handful of laugh-out-loud moments, but mostly just mildly amusing, and certainly nothing like any other work by Tobin!

[Jonathan]

Laugh-out loud.

[Roisin Tuohy]

Quick and funny read

[Louise Hope]

a witty insight. thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Molly]

Found this quite charming 💚