Jesus and Billy Are Off to Barcelona

by Deirdre Purcell

Billy is an average-looking sixteen-year-old who lives in an ordinary house in an ordinary neighborhood on the north side of Dublin. Jesus, on the other hand, is a beautiful boy with continental manners, from the most sophisticated part of Barcelona. As an exchange student, Jesus comes to live with Billy's family for three weeks during the summer. At the end of his stay - according to The Plan - Billy will go back with Jesus on a return visit to Spain. And then, the best laid plans go awry. A riveting look at growing up in two cultures by the author of nine critically acclaimed novels. The Open Door Series: Originally designed to promote adult literacy in Ireland, these original stories from best-loved authors and new voices showcase some of our best writing in short fiction.

Genres: Ireland

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Deirdre Purcell (1945–2023) was an Irish author, actress, and journalist.

Reviews

[Puifín]

Tá brón orm Jesus Martinez ach cheap mé go bhfuil Billy agus Íosa ag troid faoin Stát Catalóine sa leabhar seo. Go deas ach míbhuntáiste mhór mar níl aon focal faoi ár Slánaitheoir

[Lou]

Ok for learning, but not entertainment/real enjoyment.

[Robert]

An engaging short novella with elegantly simple plotting that manages to say a lot about class and growing up in modern Ireland.

[Delli]

Nice to read something about Finglas and I know it's a short story but there wasn't really an ending.

[Book_Worm_Jim.83]

Another book from the Open Doors Series, another quick read but this one was not as interesting as some of the other books within the series. student exchange that does not work out as planned.

synopsis reads...
Billy is an average-looking sixteen-year-old who lives in an ordinary house in an ordinary neighbourhood on the north side of Dublin. Jesus, on the other hand, is a beautiful boy with continental manners, from the most sophisticated part of Barcelona. As an exchange student, Jesus comes to live with Billy's family for three weeks during the summer. At the end of his stay - according to The Plan - Billy will go back with Jesus on a return visit to Spain. And then, the best laid plans go awry.

[Sheila D W]

Nah I feel I needed Jesus' tea closure