Fables of the Irish Intelligentsia

by Nina Fitzpatrick

Offers a collection of twelve humorous stories set in Ireland featuring a host of eccentric characters

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Irish Literature

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 1991

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read any book in one sitting. This was one of them. I received it as a review copy 30-some years ago, found it again during a recent spring cleaning, and decided it was now or never. I wasn't expecting great things based on some of the critical reviews, combined with the fact that it's so obscure you can hardly find it at a public library or on Amazon. But I was delighted by these 13 tales that poke fun at various poets, priests, academics and assorted quirky characters in contemporary Ireland. In "English Disease," we meet Wisla, a Polish Jew grad student who wishes for a room-mate who is "as self righteous as mint tea and as uncomplicated as a table leg." Instead she ends up with Finnula, who "has been a virgin since 1988" and whose "voice was high and infested with elegant, half-swallowed dipthongs. The sound of those dipthongs filled me with revulsion and respect. At last a real Brit!" I loved the quick pace and witty turns of phrase. Thumbs up.

[Ronan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see how this book had a greater appeal when it was published in 1991. Literary types, spiritual types , drunken Irish, overdressed socialites, tedious academics: there's a parade of buffoons from yesteryear. And although I am well old enough to get the cultural references, I made a discovery: a whole book of satire is like a meal without salt. There is not one character for whom you can feel the slightest sympathy, antipathy or affinity. There they go: a cleverly and inventively drawn pack of cards.

Strictly local interest, then, and perhaps three chapters too long.

[Tom M · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulously weird book, full of all the new age stuff... if it was written today it would include the word polyamory that's the only thing missing. goes to show these things dont change

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

This moderately amusing collection of short stories would have been more enjoyable if the author hadn't spent so much effort in trying to prove to the reader how damned clever she was. And there's an archness about her style that muffles any emotional resonance the better stories in the collection might achieve. There is evidence of talent, but a woeful lack of discipline on the author's part.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book a few years ago, but only just got around to reading it, and I'm rather glad I waited on it.

It's a series of 14 loosely connected stories set mostly in Galway, Ireland (the "safest city") and while Galway is pretty but mostly dull after a few days, this book is ugly and anything but boring.

Though I'm not sure who I would recommend it to.

[Janet]

Wickedly funny short stories, mocking academia and relationships.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an entertaining and short read, but very strange.