Product Description

Patrick Scully is special. At least, he was as a child - talented at school and on the football field. But now his father is dead, school's over and Scully is stuck in a dead-end job in Dublin. Unable to articulate his bitterness and mounting rage, the only way to turn is in.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1455207 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 244 pages

Customer Reviews

True to its title
This is Ardal O'Hanlon's debut novel. I say debut, because I hope that it is not the last that he writes. O'Hanlon's talents stretch far beyond the playing of Father Dougal Macguire in Channel 4's cult comedy, Father Ted. As befitting the novel of a comedian, this is a highly humorous read. However, this is black, cynical comedy of the highest order. Unlike Father Dougal, there's nothing dim or cute about this book, which plumbs the depths of darkest despair. It is the story of Patrick Scully, a young Irishman in early Eighties Dublin, and of his mounting rage at the incomprehensible world which springs up around him. The novel benefits a great deal from the structure that O'Hanlon has created. Part of the novel derives from the diary of Francesca, Scully's girlfriend, and provides a powerful insight into how Scully is seen by others. Here, Scully is truly from Mars, and Francesca from Venus, and their stormy relationship could fuel any number of Self-help books. I was particularly impressed by the portrayal of Francesca, whom O'Hanlon imbues with a real depth of character. There are a few moments of caricature, namely Scully's mother, but even she has a certain amount of truth. "The Talk of the Town" is one of the best reads I've had this year, and the novel certainly lives up to its name.

The Pure Finest
This is like "The Butcher Boy", only funnier. A great read, Ardal's comic talent shines through. Do yourself a favor and buy it.

Introductory Irish Lingo!
As a newcomer to Ireland, I was particularly interested in the colloquiums. I was hooked from page 1 and found myself wanting to laugh out very loud at the conversations the diverse range of characters had. This was unfortunately difficult to do as often I would be reading it on the bus to work!