Death Need Not Be Fatal

by Malachy McCourt, Brian McDonald

Before he runs out of time, Irish bon vivant MALACHY MCCOURT shares his views on death - sometimes hilarious and often poignant - and on what will or won't happen after his last breath is drawn.

During the course of his life, Malachy McCourt practically invented the single's bar; was a pioneer in talk radio, a soap opera star, a best-selling author; a gold smuggler, a political activist, and a candidate for governor of the state of New York.

It seems that the only two things he hasn't done are stick his head into a lion's mouth and die. Since he is allergic to cats, he decided to write about the great hereafter and answer the question on most minds: What's so great about it anyhow?

In Death Need Not Be Fatal, McCourt also trains a sober eye on the tragedies that have shaped his life: the deaths of his sister and twin brothers; the real story behind Angela's famous ashes; and a poignant account of the death of the man who left his mother, brothers, and him to nearly die in squalor. McCourt writes with deep emotion of the staggering losses of all three of his brothers, Frank, Mike, and Alphie. In his inimitable way, McCourt takes the grim reaper by the lapels and shakes the truth out of him.

As he rides the final blocks on his Rascal scooter, he looks too at the prospect of his own demise with emotional clarity and insight. In this beautifully rendered memoir, McCourt shows us how to live life to its fullest, how to grow old without acting old, and how to die without regret.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Humor, Biography, Ireland, Audiobook

289 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2017

About the author

Malachy Gerard McCourt was an American-Irish actor, writer and politician. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Limerick, McCourt appeared in several films and soap operas, including The Molly Maguires, Brewster's Millions (1985), and Another World. He also wrote three memoirs, describing his life in Ireland and in the United States. McCourt was the 2006 Green Party candidate for governor of New York, losing to the Democratic candidate Eliot Spitzer. He was the younger brother of author Frank McCourt.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not being one to watch television, I had never heard of this particular McCourt before I saw his book highly rated on this site. I borrowed the book based on the promise that it would give some hope or insight into the nothingness that follows old age....inspirational, some call it. I was ready to be wowed by this fellow's wisdom and insight, when some few pages in I encountered some nonsense about St Patrick chasing the snakes out of Ireland; the snakes, apparently, went to America to become conservatives. He goes on to take a number of written whacks at conservatives throughout the rest of the book.

Now I'm not American, but my politics would be slightly right of centre. Why, I ask myself, would this fellow choose to alienate a large portion of the reading public? He got me to a state where I really didn't give a rat's ass how many of his family died or how he was failing into his old age. Seriously, why waste your last hours being intolerant of what might amount to half the population of the United States?

Apparently the McCourts have made a family industry out of being raised broke as flat as piss on a plate, and I admire that they clawed their way up from the ghetto, but I would have imagined that the experiences would have given them a bit more tolerance. This memoir is repetitive and manipulative and scattered throughout with old jokes that readers of a certain age will remember from youth...not much in the way of originality here. Glad I didn't spend money on it.

[Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cannot even begin to describe how much I adore Malachy McCourt. First introduced to him through my all-time favorite book, “Angela’s Ashes,” it’s been a wonderful journey learning more about him through his own works. This is a bittersweet novel about death that evokes both tears and a lot of laughter. It’s a memory of a life well-lived. He is the last of the McCourt boys and I hope he is with us all for many years to come. No matter what, it is good to know that he is at peace with death and not afraid. I only wish I could be so brave. Highly recommended.

This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Lee Peckover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the rather weighty subject matter, I felt like I was able to speed through this book like it was a lighthearted and cheerful read.

I am not like Malachy McCourt, I do fear death. It sometimes becomes a bit of an obsession for me and it can even be terrifying. But in 'Death Need Not Be Fatal' McCourt succeeds in making even me feel a little more cheery about the least cheery of subjects. I mean, you could have this as a light holiday read, yet it's about dying. It somehow feels like I could read this on the beach relaxing and raise the odd smile and laugh, but, it's about dying! How unusual. I suppose that is what creates the book's charm.

This is a quick, quirky, witty and decent read.

(based on ARC)

[Kressel Housman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of the McCourt brothers will be sorry to hear that Malachy, though second oldest, is the last survivor among them. Now in his mid-eighties, he has applied his irreverent sense of humor to that most taboo of subjects: death. His first brush with death is one that McCourt readers will already be familiar with: the deaths of his baby sister and toddler twin brothers. The euphemisms and half-truths he was told about what happened to them left him in utter confusion. As he grew older, more of his schoolmates would die, and combined with other hypocrisies he encountered in the Church, he lost faith in the Heaven he was taught about. Throughout the book, he reflects on the afterlife, but along the way, he also pays tribute to the people he’s lost over the years. The chapter on Frank brought tears to my eyes.

Death is not an unpleasant subject in Malachy McCourt’s hands. Some parts of the book made me laugh out loud. But you need some familiarity with the McCourt family to appreciate the book. Angela's Ashes is such a classic, everyone should read it anyway. I wouldn’t go so far as to call this book a classic, but it’s a somewhat light-hearted look at a heavy subject, and with Malachy McCourt’s distinctive voice, it’s sometimes outrageously funny but mostly a gentle read.

[Jt O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title might suggest a difficult read but that was not my experience. Death Need Not Be Fatal reads like a memoir made even richer by the age of the author. This is no memoir written by a 30 year old but rather the warm recollections of an 85 year old man. I found the book to be a blend of warmth, humor. poignancy, and wisdom. It is the portrait of a real person, someone who is honest and forthcoming about mistakes made, tragedies endured, joys experienced and wisdom attained. My favorite and most hopeful part of the book included the last two chapters. In these chapters Mr McCourt comes face to face with his own "slow descent into debliitation". I found it hopeful because even though he writes poignantly about the loss of his brothers and the medical challenges he faces he also describes days filled with appreciation and comfort in what is. Somehow he made growing old more attractive.

[Melissa Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Malachy McCourt’s farewell to a life lived, if not always well, but fully, is like attending the wake of an old friend. With humor and regret, about evenly mixed, he tells the story of the deaths of his brothers and sisters, of his parents, and of friends he has known. While his body is wearing out, his mind and memory are sharp, and he celebrates the joys of the moment in the moment. An inspiring way to live, and to die.

[Gail O'Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mr. McCourt's previous books. This one I felt, was only issued to obtain income. I didn't find it enjoyable. I probably had some preconceived idea of his style of writing. This didn't seem to be his at all.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say that Mr. McCourt has seen a few things in his eighty plus years is an understatement. Growing up in poverty in Limerick, Ireland he escaped back to New York, where he had been born, to find work as a young man as well as create a new life for himself. Over the course of his long life, he has managed some things that many only dream of doing, such as owning a popular bar, appearing on television in a soap opera for many years as well as writing a best seller or two. In this latest book he recounts events of his life, giving the reader a glimpse into a world full of family, friends and a passion for living. His story is told with great wit and humor, with numerous tragedies that befell his family conveyed with grace and deep emotion that show a great strength of character. Once I got started in his story I couldn't put it down.

Thanks to Shelf-Awareness Giveaway for allowing me to read this book.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com

[Alane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I do death for a living, I am always looking for books to refer to my patients and families. This one is difficult to pigeon hole. Atheist, Irish humanist reviews life in light of death. A memoir of loss, particularly family loss, that addresses the joys of life and the need for meaningful relationships. Neither of these quite cut it.

This is a deep humor death memoir, with a cup of atheism and a stein of alcoholism.

There. That's closer.

Two greatest quotes for me: Organized religion is like organized crime. But without the compassion.

And his favorite euphemism for masturbation: shaking hands with the unemployed.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charming and ultimately life affirming. Adding to the enjoyment, a personal connection to so many of the places in and around NYC where his smart and funny stories occur - including the hospice where his brother died. (I used to volunteer there.)

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading several of Frank McCourt's books. This book was a bit unusual. All of the McCourt brothers wrote books. Brother Malachy is the last left. This books reflects on death and the life of both him and his brothers. The Mc Courts were a fun bunch so the tales are lively. He is in his eighties but fairly healthy. His humor is a bit tongue in cheek and can be a little sarcastic. He talks about growing up in Limerick and how if affected his life in different ways that are clearer now. I knew many of his references since I've read the other books. Malachy gives the details of p the later years and deaths of his mother and brothers. The book ties up the loose end of the McCourt story.
It was an enjoyable read. I would like to read his earlier books now.

[Kitsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was up & down with this one, there seemed to be a lot of rehashing of stuff you already knew if you had read the previous McCourt books. And his insistence on singing,(some songs more than once!) when he mentioned that he was NO singer, no argument there. And the old jokes & how he had to tell you his politics, again over & over.
But what really bothered me was his telling of very personal stuff regarding his brother Frank, personally I thought that was pretty low, & just because he outlived him, it still wasn't HIS story to tell.
My rating is really a 2.5. As I drove for longer distances, driving he reminded me more & more of the person at the party who is in love with the sound of his own voice. I guess I can only take him in small doses.

[Gayle Cappelluti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book purely because I have read and loved every work that brother, Frank McCourt, has written, and decided that if Malachy was half the story teller his brother was, I was definitely in. I was not disappointed. Though many of the stories were reminiscent of ones I'd read, especially in Angela's Ashes, they were told in such an entertaining way, I didn't mind revisiting them at all.

Malachy McCourt had a comic genius, a way of making even heartbreaking tales, light and amusing. His way with words just made this a fun read. I'd suggest that, if you can, get the audio version of this one. Listening to this author, with his Irish brogue and songs of his homeland, made this one a 5-star read, for sure.

[Johanna Jaworski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only just realized Frank McCourt had a brother who was also a best-selling author and (somewhat forgotten) celebrity. Malachy, who I feel I was already familar with due to Frank McCourt's books, writes with a lighter tone than his brother while telling the same bitter-sweet life stories. I've been very interested in exploring end-of-life issues this year and this book faces these issues with a sort of serious humor that helps to look at the future with honesty and bravery. I hope I can remember that my time now needs to be enjoyed as much as I can while enduring challanges with love for my family. I'm very grateful to both McCourts for their stories.

[Lauri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, short read on Malachy McCourt's thoughts on death - he's certainly seen enough of it. It was laugh-out-loud funny in places, sad and touching in others. He covers the death of three of his siblings in early childhood, due to poverty and an absent, alcoholic father who couldn't be bothered to keep his kids fed and clothed, as well as his struggles in school. Someone asked him once how he managed to write books that were best sellers, when his education ended after flunking out of primary school. His response: “Well, I read a lot and just rearranged the words and wrote them down.” He was an imperfect man who enjoyed a mostly happy, long life, well-lived.

[Barbara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Death Need Not Be Fatal, Malachy McCourt combines autobiography (the living of his life) with the philosophies derived from that life in clever and interesting ways. His views on politics and religion might bother some people; not me. Likewise his thoughts on death come from long experience—death became part of his life beginning at age 3. And more than 80 years later he’s facing his own. I was particularly taken by how he addresses the loss of mobility… as his thoughts mirror my own.

My previous knowledge of his brother Frank’s memoir (Angela’s Ashes) definitely enriched my experience of this book—and the reverse is also true. But Death Need Not Be Fatal stands on its own, as well.

[Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I've heard of Frank McCourt but never read Angela's Ashes. Part of picking this one up was the title and description. I'm always eager to read more books about experiences with grief and loss. And was intrigued to read from an Irish author. And this one did not disappoint. I really appreciated how candid the author was when speaking about his experiences not only with death, but with poverty, addiction, and his family. This is a more light-hearted take on death and loss that I really enjoyed.

[J.J. Lair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this author from his books over his acting. This was another autobiographical book but it has an overall theme. As you imagine, the theme is death. Tragic deaths in his family. Celebrity deaths or what he was doing when he heard about a celebrity death. Some die young. Some live a long life. The final chapters is about mortality and how he lived a rough and tumble full life. I think the wrap up chapters went on too long. Perhaps the very last chapter could’ve been cut.
Overall for a book about death, it’s not a downer.

[Alex Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachy McCourt's charm, wit, and love of good talk are on full display in this memoir. McCourt rambles a fair amount - - reading the book is like listening to a really engaging conversationalist delivering a monolog in a bar - - so many subjects unrelated to death are covered in McCourt's musings. At times the author does use material which has appeared in his other works (this is especially true in the section describing the family's visit to the undertaker after Angela McCourt's death), but much of the work is new and all of it is appealing.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachi McCourt, the last living member of the McCourt family made famous by brother Frank's ANGELA'S ASHES, discusses his feelings about death, the "civil right" of every human being. The title and the outrageous cover perfectly portray the tone of the book, humorous, serious and semi-serious, offering many amusing anecdotes and one-liners.
(I received pre-publication access through NetGalley.)

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd say that if the prospect of death can be made funny 80 year old Malachy McCourt has come pretty close. A lot of the book recalls incidents from his childhood (very very poor), his alcoholism (30 years) and the close relationship with his brother Frank (Angela's Ashes). There are some pretty funny stories (after all he Is Irish) and some pretty sad ones too. But all in all very enjoyable.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can you describe a book ostensibly about death as 'lively'? Well that sums up Malachy McCourt and Brian McDonald's Death Need Not Be Fatal. You can also add irreverent, funny, melancholic, boozy and very, very Irish. Of course it's a well told story as one would expect and if there's a touch of the blarney in it, so much the better.
Don't be put off by the title, you'll enjoy this one.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny, quirky collection of musings and anecdotes from a hilarious and opinionated raconteur. It’s the perfect “coffee break” book. You could certainly sit down and devour the whole thing in one go, but it’s just as satisfying to sample 5-15 minute bites any time you want a break. That’s not to say it’s all frippery, it will make you ponder ideas, some of them weighty, for longer than you might guess.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lol. Finally have entered an age when I can truly appreciate this book! Witty and amusing, serious, and light-hearted, And Mr. McCourt is still living! May he live to be a hundred (or more). Great book. He does have the gift of gab! Lovely read for summer.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad! I read this book keeping it in mind as a gift to my husband. I’m sure he will appreciate the sense of humor; political, literary, and performing arts interests; as well as the personal belief system, all of which run on a similar course. Thank you for writing from your heart, Malachy, and hope you are having a good day today!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now the last surviving member of the family, actor and garrulous pub aficionado Malachy was once the best known of the four McCourt brothers. 13 months younger than his Pulitzer Prize-winning brother Frank, Malachy both corroborates Angela’s Ashes and offers a fresh and witty summary of the brothers’ adult adventures, while also sharing his views on death.

[Mary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful storyteller! I loved this latest book by McCourt but then I've loved all of his books. McCourt is also so refreshing with his lack of pretense; he's a man who's full of love and life, and I sure hope we get yet another book or 2 or 3 out of him!

[Denise Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny; not morbid by any stretch. Malachy's irreverent take on the famous McCourt family, his own life, career, politics, mistakes, etc. Jews have the monopoly on guilt. Catholics (particularly the Irish) have the monopoly on remorse. And Protestants have regrets only, thank you.

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have patience. I almost returned the CD as the beginning is extremely slow, but hang on for a good collections of stories, reminiscences, and musings from the famous Irish brother of Frank McCourt.

[Mal Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malachy McCourt has led quite an incredible life. I enjoyed his storytelling, and that of his brother Frank, so much that I don't think I ever wish to actually read one of their books. To hear their stories in their voice is music to my ears.