At Swim-Two-Birds

by Flann O'Brien

Nature of my reply: Civil, perfunctory, uninformative.

The most unique book that I have ever attempted. Fascinating jumps of thought throughout, totally unpredictable. A style of writing that challenges all the rules. To be honest, there is a great deal of it that I don't understand - I feel like I need somebody to talk me through it. Interesting references to ancient Irish literature , Buille Shuibhne, and some great examples of hiberno-English. Interesting snapshot of the earlier days of the Irish state too. I'll certainly attempt more Flann/Brian O'Nolan.

Description of my uncle: Rat-brained, cunning, concerned-that-he-should-be-well-thought-of. Abounding in pretence, deceit. Holder of Guinness clerkship the third class. In a moment he was gone, this time without return.

warning and tell the other, so that the two of