What do you think?
Rate this book
THE MAKER'S NAME: Winner Literary Titan Gold Book Award
THE MAKER'S NAME
Literary, historical, Irish family saga fiction, for grownups
Lucid, engaging prose covering half a century of a provincial Irish business family, which could be microcosmic of the nation, from a first-time author.
The Considine brothers, Rudi and Gus, are at war.
Their father, Malachi, has died in a ‘freak accident’. But is there such a thing as a freak accident? When Rudi attempts to grab Gus’s inheritance there’s a real prospect of human blood appearing on the Hawthorne Meats slaughterhouse floor. Enter Cosgrave, a solicitor with expensive tastes, and Toomarood, the banker with an eye to making money outside of his day job. Mix in the ‘free’ energy device, after experts have stated that the promoters are suffering from long-term, severe self-delusion. Does this all make up a catastrophe waiting to happen?
How will Gus’s childhood friend, Raymond Quinn, his partner, Kaarina, and their children, be able to deal with him being placed under an exit ban in China because of his part in a pyramid scheme that has defrauded Chinese small investors? Is Gus really the nice guy everyone thinks he is? His activities as a ‘celebrity butcher’ might suggest otherwise. Does Rudi go too far by defrauding Quinn senior and his business partner through the use of a shadow company?
Is Rudi capable of murder?
And Rudi’s wife, Penny - whose side is she on?
Treachery hangs over this story of the pressures and tensions, both personal and commercial, of Celtic-Tiger era Ireland, especially when that edifice is destroyed in the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.
For Rudi, the payback from Gus and Raymond is severe indeed.
ENDS
Literary, historical, Irish family saga fiction, for grownups
Lucid, engaging prose covering half a century of a provincial Irish business family, which could be microcosmic of the nation, from a first-time author.
The Considine brothers, Rudi and Gus, are at war.
Their father, Malachi, has died in a ‘freak accident’. But is there such a thing as a freak accident? When Rudi attempts to grab Gus’s inheritance there’s a real prospect of human blood appearing on the Hawthorne Meats slaughterhouse floor. Enter Cosgrave, a solicitor with expensive tastes, and Toomarood, the banker with an eye to making money outside of his day job. Mix in the ‘free’ energy device, after experts have stated that the promoters are suffering from long-term, severe self-delusion. Does this all make up a catastrophe waiting to happen?
How will Gus’s childhood friend, Raymond Quinn, his partner, Kaarina, and their children, be able to deal with him being placed under an exit ban in China because of his part in a pyramid scheme that has defrauded Chinese small investors? Is Gus really the nice guy everyone thinks he is? His activities as a ‘celebrity butcher’ might suggest otherwise. Does Rudi go too far by defrauding Quinn senior and his business partner through the use of a shadow company?
Is Rudi capable of murder?
And Rudi’s wife, Penny - whose side is she on?
Treachery hangs over this story of the pressures and tensions, both personal and commercial, of Celtic-Tiger era Ireland, especially when that edifice is destroyed in the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.
For Rudi, the payback from Gus and Raymond is severe indeed.
ENDS
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2024
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Seamus McKenna
5 books1 followerA voracious reader from the youngest age, he quickly developed the urge to write. The realisation that a career as an author did not offer anything like a dependable path to making a living, never mind riches, he decided, when the time came to go to college, to study Civil Engineering. He spent several years practicing that profession, all the while writing to the papers, in particular the Irish Times. He has had hundreds of inclusions in the letters page of that newspaper over the years.
In time, he gained an MBA from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and combined that with his engineering qualification to operate as a business analyst with several multi-national companies, including Shell Oil, based overseas.
In the early 2000s he came back to Ireland to participate in the so-called Celtic Tiger, where those same skills allowed him to submit the most sublime proposals to financial institutions so that he could take part in property development. Rapid growth, lots of money, and an elevated lifestyle followed, right up to the onset of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, when everything collapsed. He spent the next ten years battling with banks in an attempt to hold on to his home. He also published his first book, a best-selling treatment of algorithmic Foreign Exchange trading (The Omicron Forex Trading Manual (2012)). In 2023 he obtained an MA in Creative Writing from Dublin City University (DCU).
Now he has downsized, in all respects, and, while no longer living the high life, is comfortable. This means he can devote all his time to his first and only love, which is writing, both in fiction and non-fiction.
In time, he gained an MBA from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and combined that with his engineering qualification to operate as a business analyst with several multi-national companies, including Shell Oil, based overseas.
In the early 2000s he came back to Ireland to participate in the so-called Celtic Tiger, where those same skills allowed him to submit the most sublime proposals to financial institutions so that he could take part in property development. Rapid growth, lots of money, and an elevated lifestyle followed, right up to the onset of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, when everything collapsed. He spent the next ten years battling with banks in an attempt to hold on to his home. He also published his first book, a best-selling treatment of algorithmic Foreign Exchange trading (The Omicron Forex Trading Manual (2012)). In 2023 he obtained an MA in Creative Writing from Dublin City University (DCU).
Now he has downsized, in all respects, and, while no longer living the high life, is comfortable. This means he can devote all his time to his first and only love, which is writing, both in fiction and non-fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 30, 2024
The Maker’s Name by Seamus McKenna unravels a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and family dysfunction set against the dramatic backdrop of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger years. At its heart is Hawthorne Meats, a thriving family business, but beneath the surface, trouble is brewing. When patriarch Malachi Considine dies under suspicious circumstances, his sons, Rudi and Gus, face off over the inheritance. The fallout is swift and brutal, with Rudi attempting to edge Gus out of the company. Yet, the drama extends far beyond the brothers. Ambitious banker Toomarood, the sly solicitor Cosgrave, and a host of other players circle like vultures. The mystery of Malachi’s death looms large. Was it truly an accident or something far darker?
McKenna draws readers into a narrative that echoes the complex family dynamics of The Godfather and the sharp, corporate scheming of HBO’s Succession. The setting, Ireland during its era of unprecedented economic growth, grounds the story in a world where greed and power reign supreme. This tale of familial conflict feels larger than life, yet McKenna roots it in sharp details and vivid personalities.
The tense relationship between Rudi and Gus commands attention. Both are richly developed characters, capable of driving the story forward with their flawed yet compelling personalities. Surrounding them is a cast of supporting characters who elevate the narrative, from Gus’s loyal friend Raymond and his steadfast partner Kaarina to Rudi’s ambitious wife Penny. Even the minor characters leave a lasting impression. McKenna’s deft characterization and razor-sharp dialogue make these figures leap off the page.
The story unfolds with the controlled chaos of a Guy Ritchie film; dark humor, sudden bursts of violence, and a palpable tension that escalates as events spiral out of control. Few of the characters inspire affection, yet watching them maneuver and clash is an unmitigated delight. Every twist tightens the grip, and every revelation adds a layer of intrigue.
This is a wickedly entertaining ride, packed with sharp turns and unforgettable moments. While the characters may not win your sympathy, they will certainly hold your attention. For fans of dark family dramas or stories steeped in ambition and deception, The Maker’s Name delivers a riveting experience.
McKenna draws readers into a narrative that echoes the complex family dynamics of The Godfather and the sharp, corporate scheming of HBO’s Succession. The setting, Ireland during its era of unprecedented economic growth, grounds the story in a world where greed and power reign supreme. This tale of familial conflict feels larger than life, yet McKenna roots it in sharp details and vivid personalities.
The tense relationship between Rudi and Gus commands attention. Both are richly developed characters, capable of driving the story forward with their flawed yet compelling personalities. Surrounding them is a cast of supporting characters who elevate the narrative, from Gus’s loyal friend Raymond and his steadfast partner Kaarina to Rudi’s ambitious wife Penny. Even the minor characters leave a lasting impression. McKenna’s deft characterization and razor-sharp dialogue make these figures leap off the page.
The story unfolds with the controlled chaos of a Guy Ritchie film; dark humor, sudden bursts of violence, and a palpable tension that escalates as events spiral out of control. Few of the characters inspire affection, yet watching them maneuver and clash is an unmitigated delight. Every twist tightens the grip, and every revelation adds a layer of intrigue.
This is a wickedly entertaining ride, packed with sharp turns and unforgettable moments. While the characters may not win your sympathy, they will certainly hold your attention. For fans of dark family dramas or stories steeped in ambition and deception, The Maker’s Name delivers a riveting experience.
July 20, 2024
The Maker's Name" by Seamus McKenna is an impressive debut novel that showcases the author's rich professional background and storytelling skills. Drawing from his extensive career as a civil engineer and his experiences in the financial world, McKenna weaves a tale that is both knowledgeable and engaging. His detailed descriptions of events and settings add a layer of authenticity that benefits the narrative, making the story vivid and immersive.
The plot centres on the classic struggle between two brothers over inheritance, a theme that McKenna handles with originality and complexity. His unique insights and experiences enrich the story, making the conflict more relatable and multifaceted. While the narrative can sometimes be interrupted by historical details, these elements also provide depth and context, particularly in the book's second half where the pace notably accelerates.
Character development in "The Maker's Name" is compelling, with a diverse and interesting cast that adds variety to the storyline. However, there are moments where the narrative could benefit from more detailed exploration of key events and character motivations. The initial introduction of new characters and settings can feel somewhat fragmented, leaving the reader momentarily disoriented. Nevertheless, as the story progresses, these elements converge, leading to a cohesive and satisfying resolution.
The ending of the novel is dramatic and leaves some questions unanswered, which might intrigue some readers while leaving others wanting more closure. This open-ended conclusion, however, is fitting for a debut novel, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the business world McKenna portrays.
Overall, "The Maker's Name" is a testament to Seamus McKenna's talents as a writer. It is a well-crafted story that reflects his life experiences and his ability to translate them into engaging fiction. This novel marks a promising start to McKenna's literary career, demonstrating his potential to captivate readers with stories that are both insightful and entertaining.
The plot centres on the classic struggle between two brothers over inheritance, a theme that McKenna handles with originality and complexity. His unique insights and experiences enrich the story, making the conflict more relatable and multifaceted. While the narrative can sometimes be interrupted by historical details, these elements also provide depth and context, particularly in the book's second half where the pace notably accelerates.
Character development in "The Maker's Name" is compelling, with a diverse and interesting cast that adds variety to the storyline. However, there are moments where the narrative could benefit from more detailed exploration of key events and character motivations. The initial introduction of new characters and settings can feel somewhat fragmented, leaving the reader momentarily disoriented. Nevertheless, as the story progresses, these elements converge, leading to a cohesive and satisfying resolution.
The ending of the novel is dramatic and leaves some questions unanswered, which might intrigue some readers while leaving others wanting more closure. This open-ended conclusion, however, is fitting for a debut novel, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the business world McKenna portrays.
Overall, "The Maker's Name" is a testament to Seamus McKenna's talents as a writer. It is a well-crafted story that reflects his life experiences and his ability to translate them into engaging fiction. This novel marks a promising start to McKenna's literary career, demonstrating his potential to captivate readers with stories that are both insightful and entertaining.
November 26, 2024
This is a compelling saga of the Celtic Tiger years. At its heart is the rivalry between the mercurial, quick to anger Rudi and his brother Gus, one a tycoon who doesn't blink at dubious business practices and the other a celebrity butcher - not that this makes him a nice guy. What really happened the day their father died, and where is his will? The prologue, describing slaughterhouse practices, sets the dark tone for what is to come; things are not what they seem in the Considine family. McKenna draws from his extensive work experience, at home and overseas, to evoke authentically the Brussels and Macau of those years, and the traps set for the unwary. Reading this thriller, one gets the clearest confirmation of what a lot of us on the outside already think, namely that international business deals and currency exchange are often a form of legalised gambling, where the cards are never evenly distributed. Looking forward to more from this author.
Read
November 5, 2024The author has a powerful voice which dominates the novel. Each word is chosen with razor precision that could have been carved by the knives so gleefully described in the opening section.
The fortunes of a family is followed through the lives of two brothers from childhood through financial ups and downs. There is aggression, ambition, achievement and loss. Relationships develop as one of the brothers seeks to deny the other his inheritance, the illness that has laid waste so many families in Ireland.
The author lays out histories of foreign exchange, Ponzi schemes, frauds and swindles as well as a diverse range of subjects including the history of the Blueshirts.
It is a well paced novel that romps to a decisive ending, well worth the read.
The fortunes of a family is followed through the lives of two brothers from childhood through financial ups and downs. There is aggression, ambition, achievement and loss. Relationships develop as one of the brothers seeks to deny the other his inheritance, the illness that has laid waste so many families in Ireland.
The author lays out histories of foreign exchange, Ponzi schemes, frauds and swindles as well as a diverse range of subjects including the history of the Blueshirts.
It is a well paced novel that romps to a decisive ending, well worth the read.
October 22, 2024
I used to think that if a book was well-written it was worth reading. Not any more. Well written is now no more than a qualifier - my reads have to have plot and well-rounded characters as well.
The good news here is that The Maker's Name is much more than well-written - it's lyrical. It's also got story, and very believable characters, all of whom interact in the most satisfactory manner.
I would highly recommend this novel, the debut work from this writer. Five stars with no reservations.
The good news here is that The Maker's Name is much more than well-written - it's lyrical. It's also got story, and very believable characters, all of whom interact in the most satisfactory manner.
I would highly recommend this novel, the debut work from this writer. Five stars with no reservations.
November 27, 2024
An epic tale
I really enjoyed the “The Maker’s Name” an epic tale spanning half a century, focusing on the Considine brothers, Rudi and Gus. You have a story of conflict, betrayal and the dynamics of business against the backdrop of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger era and the global financial crisis of 2008. The story draws you in, each page leaving you wanting more.. it was a hard book to put aside and that’s its greatest compliment. Well worth a read and always great when you find a new author. . Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed the “The Maker’s Name” an epic tale spanning half a century, focusing on the Considine brothers, Rudi and Gus. You have a story of conflict, betrayal and the dynamics of business against the backdrop of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger era and the global financial crisis of 2008. The story draws you in, each page leaving you wanting more.. it was a hard book to put aside and that’s its greatest compliment. Well worth a read and always great when you find a new author. . Highly recommend.
July 8, 2024
An exciting read with strong characters throughout the story about 2 brothers. Rudi the older brother is quite ruthless and unstable at times in his quest for power in both business and his personal life while the younger brother comes across as more sociable and stable in his approach. Look forward to a second book about these characters.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews