Loved this book and great review. But would add that perhaps the author was more inspired by Becket and less by Joyce. These two men are modern versions of Vladimir and Estragon. But now Godot is just a girl as lost those waiting for her.
Last, I love dropping the quotes from dialogue. Lovely to read this way...
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A seeming age it's been since last a frolicsome discovery as this book/author pounced from the wings an into the realm of my fierce delight.
By the third chapter my giddiness rivaled what frightened friends forty years ago whilst reading Martin Amis' MONEY.
Yes, the tone of seasoned rascals who've soulfully barrelled through multiple lives of misadventure to arrive at a place where time proves a cruel teacher while nostalgia emerges as the most potent drug of choice is--for some of us older blokes--perhaps too eerily recognizable but utterly entertaining all the same.
Barry is one my new faves! Your review was pointedly indelible and a most credible pointer. Many thanks!
Beatlebone is my favorite book so can't wait to read this - Love KB. He's a genius -
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I could not agree more. Barry writes like the wind. "Lyric intensity" is an underrated thing. It's a lovely novel.
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Mr. Lasdun's final paragraph, no, the penultimate sentence, should be enough to make everyone who reads the review fly to wherever they purchase books and read "Night Boat...." from cover to cover.
"City of Bohane" was a marvelous book that kept me rooted to my easy chair far beyond the hour I normally retire and I couldn't put my finger on why it captured me the way it did.
With "Night Boat...." I know.
Mr. Barry, true to his Irish roots, takes a beautifully written novel and turns it into poetry I could feel the music playing behind the written words.
Thank you Mr. Barry, I look forward to your next offering.
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City of Bohane was fabulous, in every sense of the word. I’m very excited about this new book. Kevin Barry is a treasure.
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Excellent book; excellent review.
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