Getting Used to Not Being Remarkable

by Michael Foley

Martin is intoxicated by the extremism of decadent French literature. Clare is intoxicated by the demonic lustre of the young man. Over the years, Martin loses his lustre through marriage and child-rearing, while Clare grows in maturity and confidence and eventually takes on a young lover.

Paperback

First published April 1, 1999

About the author

Originally from Killavullen, Co Cork, Michael Foley has written Kings of September, winner of the 2007 BoyleSports Irish Sportsbook of the year. He also ghostwrote Harte: Presence Is the Only Thing, the autobiography of Tyrone gaelic football manager Mickey Harte, shortlisted for the 2009 William Hill Irish Sportsbook of the Year.

Winner of the GAA’s McNamee Award in 2008 and shortlisted for Sports Journalist of the Year in 2003, he is acting sports editor and GAA correspondent for the Irish edition of the Sunday Times. This is his third book. He currently resides in Macroom, Co Cork.

Reviews

[James Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is an intelligent wry humour to this but for me it was swamped by the fusillade of French philosophical quotations. I accept that it is obviously aimed at a more highbrow clientele than yours truly so I decided after 100 pages to leave it to them.

[Deborah Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's like Norwegian Wood meets The Elementary Particles.

But with FAR less charming or useful flashbacks.

And the tone gets a bit...redundant. I'm 1/3rd through and I've just downgraded from a 4 to a 3...but it'll be a 2 if it keeps up like this.