Dead Man Talking

by Roddy Doyle

Pat had been best friends with Joe Murphy since they were kids. But years ago they had a fight. A big one, and they haven’t spoken since --- till the day before Joe’s funeral.

What? On the day before his funeral Joe would be dead, wouldn’t he?

Yes, he would…

Roddy Doyle’s first book for the Quick Reads programme to support adult literacy is fast, funny and just a tiny bit spooky.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Horror, Novella, Ireland, Contemporary, Book Club

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Roddy Doyle (Irish: Ruaidhrí Ó Dúill) is an Irish novelist, dramatist and screenwriter. Several of his books have been made into successful films, beginning with The Commitments in 1991. He won the Booker Prize in 1993.

Doyle grew up in Kilbarrack, Dublin. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from University College, Dublin. He spent several years as an English and geography teacher before becoming a full-time writer in 1993.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a couple of these quick reads now and they are definitely worth picking up. Literally the quickest book to read and I find it impressive to come out with something so short story that works well. I have always enjoyed Roddy Doyle's work with my favourite being A Star Called Henry. This story is very trippy and I was spinning in circles mentally while reading this. Well executed and interesting. Really made me stop and think afterwards. What ifs and all.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how to describe this. It was simple, weird, but it was slightly confusing too. Luckily I've got two more to try before I judge these properly.

[Waverly Nyx · Rating 1 out of 5]

...what did I just read?

[Hadas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this was odd and interesting...

[Erica⭐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a strange story of a man invited to the funeral of an old friend with whom he had had a falling-out some years before. When he arrives he sees faces from his past, and when he enters the room containing the coffin things become rather strange.

[Tracy Hollen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Theo Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda shit but only cost 1 pound

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been published as part of Quick Reads programme. These are a series of short books from a range of different authors to encourage literacy love among adults. Personally I love the time of year they pop up, I have found many authors I would never have considered before through the programme and they are perfect if you don't have a lot of 'me' time. Personally I read the book in one sitting.

I have never read a book by Doyle so had no idea what to expect. From reading the blurb it really made me intrigued and I couldn't wait to start it. This short story was very easy to read, it had incredibly short chapters, perfect for when you need to pop the kettle on or break off another square of Galaxy.

It is written in the first person and completely through narrative, the pace is very good and there is little opportunity for a new reader to become fed up or lost in the text.

The story is about Pat, he has discovered his best friend Joe has died and he has been invited to the funeral, this seems a little odd to Pat as he had a big falling out a few years ago and have not spoken since. Pat decides to go to the funeral and the wake with his wife. This brings up a lot of emotions for Pat and brings back unhappier times. Pat is not sure how to cope with everything he is discovering that day.

Although the story is very short, so much happens in it. As the reader I felt unsure at times what was going on and it was only when I was very near the end did I begin to suss out what was happening. It was a good short read, however one that took me out of my comfort zone. I have never read a book like this and actually had mixed feeling about it. I was very unsure when reading it and since I have finished I am still not quite sure what I feel about this book.

This is only on a personal note and I have heard that this short story has the Doyle trademarks and that it is another great story by him, so I am sure if you like Doyle's previous works this will also be one that you enjoy.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

[Owen Townend · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admired what Doyle was trying to do here.

This particular Quick Read started deceptively simple with the announcement of a death. Then towards the end of the book, it became apparent that there was a lot more to this approach to mortality and grief than that.

Nevertheless the ending came as quite a surprise. Though there was some indication of the twist midway through the book it wasn't as clear as it could have been. Indeed the biggest suggestion that something was wrong was repetition which usually requires more immediate justification to sustain reader interest.

Regardless of this, Doyle's famed wit was quite apparent throughout and he managed to create some three-dimensional characters within 99 pages.

I recommend Dead Man Talking to those who are curious about Roddy Doyle or who have ever found Open Casket Wakes to be oddly eventful.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I thought it's fall this seems spooky. However the beginning of the book was spooky, then the story literally repeated itself like 12 times, and completely lost me. I was still intrigued though hoping something will happen and it didn't. I finished the book and said what the heck did I just read. I gave it 2 stars because I literally couldn't put it down trying to figure out what was going to happen next.

[Graziella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Closing line: "She started to cry. And so did I."

And so did I. Amen.

I should have known. Yet I did not. Or I did and wanted to be challenged. Instead..no, just no way it could happen. But that is what happens when your local library is shrinked to microscopic proportions in the name of a refurbishment that just never happens.

And yes this is a rant. It is hot and I am taking it out on this book. Bear with me, just like I beared these 99 pages.

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

Lifelong friends Pat and Joe had an argument and hadn't spoken in many years..that was until Joe died and Pat and him had a lovely chat at Joe's wake, the night before his funeral.

Strange right? Having a conversation with someone who is dead?

This Is such a strange book but it.really put things in perspective.. especially being in denial.

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

When friends fall out in Ireland, they might never speak again. But one thing they can be relied on to do is attend each other's funeral.

Funny and a little sad in turn, "Dead Man Talking" is a fine story from Roddy Doyle and is pitch perfect in every respect.

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has a bit more panache than other Quick Read titles I’ve read, but the twist is quite predictable and the ending doesn’t fully satisfy after the build up. Brave use of repetition in such a short book, but it works well enough. Fast paced and quick witted with a little bit of Irish charm. Grand!

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd, quirky, sad but often humourous little tale of death and regrets.

[Lily Squire · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting.. i had no idea what was going on at first but then i understood, took me like less than an hour to read👍🏼

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit poorly written, gives me faith I could write something. It took me 3 days to read what should have taken an hour. Good ending however it was undercooked.

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark humour and a bit odd so it was right up my street lol another quick read only 112 pages.

[Debbi Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what I just read 😆 😅

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I felt I could imagine it as a short film or even a play. The writing style is quick paced and you feel yourself experience everything as the main character would.
Dark humour, twists and turns, and relatable experiences, all in, a nice little refresher of a read.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars - This short story is part of the £1 books collection inspiring adults who do not read to get back into reading – I stumbled across it, thought it looked interesting and needed something to read on the bus. While I guessed the ending very early on, this novella was gripping and very well written (especially taking into account the book’s purpose), and I happily would have read more of this little story. Unfortunately as it was a short story, I couldn’t make it my ‘book of the month’, but it was my favourite thing I read in April.
Taken from https://emdoesbookreviews.wordpress.c...

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know what to make of this. On one hand its rather amusing and quick witted, on the other the idea of it is utterly terrifying. Not only does Pat find himself dealing with the regret of not moving past an age old arguement and grudge but he finds himself talking to the very man the day before his funeral (yes he is effectively talking to a dead man). Not only is this rather bizarre but things get stranger the longer Pat stays until the reality of what is happening hits him square in the face. I shan't say any more just in case I spoil it but try it and see what you think.

[Book_Worm_Jim.83 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short read, it was quick to get in to and I read it in one go. It's about two friends who have fallen out for many years. It was a funny read and there was some twists towards the end that made this a fun read but I’d not rush out to seek out other books by this author.

[Shriya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've never read any Roddy Doyle books.
I honestly didn't understand where this story was going?

[Shahrun · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started off promising. Then literally got stuck on a poxy loop and resolved nothing. I have reading a book that leaves the whole point of the plot unresolved. What's the point?

[Daniel Anderson-Poore · Rating 1 out of 5]

This booked started off alright but seemed to lose its purpose as the story continued. It ended feeling like the already confusing plot was left unresolved.

[Beckii · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good but confusing, I had so many questions when I finished it though.

[Katlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, I was convinced Joe was just pranking Pat, or Pat was suffering from psychosis episode but I really enjoyed this read! Only 99 pages❤️

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mostruosa leggerezza
Questo racconto lungo di Doyle era sfuggito ai miei radar, da sempre in massima allerta quando si tratta del genio irlandese, finché non l'ho visto transitare qui su Anobii. Peccato veniale il mio, perché davvero non se ne trova traccia in rete, persino la pagina di Wikipedia su Doyle non ne fa cenno. Un silenzio che trovo inspiegabile dopo averne ultimato la lettura, con quel misto di divertimento e pura angoscia che solo la scrittura distillata da Doyle riesce a farmi provare.
L'amico Di Una Vita esce nel 2016, ed è chiaramente la prova generale per Smile - uno dei romanzi più straordinari e terrificanti che abbia mai letto - che uscirà due anni dopo. Non faccio spoiler ma la dinamica, per quanto diversa, ha una radice comune molto forte e uno sviluppo quasi parallelo, oltre che un finale, in entrambi i casi, di enorme impatto.
Non si può parlare troppo del contenuto senza cadere nella sinossi (non sopporto le recensioni-riassunto) o peggio nello spoiler, ma il tratto surreale del racconto è dichiarato nella prima riga: "Ho rivisto Joe la sera prima del suo funerale." Tutto il resto è un progressivo disvelarsi di questo incontro, durante veglia funebre per Joe.
Le recensioni parlano di humour e divertimento. Sarà. Per l'amor del cielo, l'ironia non manca, anzi, soprattutto all'inizio ce n'è a secchiate. Ma pensavo di trovarmi di fronte a qualcosa di simile a "Un anno alla grande", e invece. Sotto uno strato di scanzonata irriverenza, dietro i dialoghi scheletrici "alla Doyle", si cela un nucleo di puro orrore.
Non è vero che si parla di amicizia, non credeteci. Qui si parla di colpa, paura, tormento. Qui si parla di inferno. Ma lo si fa con la leggerezza mostruosa di uno scrittore inarrivabile.

[Lucy Pardoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very repetitive, which was intentional due to the meaning of the story. Just felt very groundhog day type thing. I enjoyed reading to find out where it was going and I liked the end circling back to the beginning but just felt that overall the book was severely lacking. None of the characters were really likable and going back to the beginning of the book it felt it didn't make much sense, knowing the ending and meaning of the book. I liked the way grief was shown and holding onto it in the afterlife and almost being haunted by his own decisions but just felt it could have had more. Maybe if it was a full novel I would get that satisfaction. I wouldn't recommend it to another.
Changed to 2 stars from 2.5 after finding out it was supposed to be funny... the only one laughing was Joe in his ear...