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IMPERFECT BEINGS
In a series of unexpected moments when past loves and choices re-surface with startling clarity, the imperfect beings who populate these stories find themselves finally grasping the impact of crucial early relationships, as joy, loss and betrayal echo across decades.
A man searches for a possible secret half-sister to understand his father. A woman is haunted by a boy's death fifty years ago. A lighthouse keeper recalls his first relationship. A public figure, slipping into dementia, relives a fateful night that haunts him. A man seeks insights into his mother's past on a remote Portuguese island. From childhood holidays shadowed by tragedy to chance reunions that rewrite old narratives, Bolger's complex and deeply humane characters reveal the fragile beauty of human connection.
A man searches for a possible secret half-sister to understand his father. A woman is haunted by a boy's death fifty years ago. A lighthouse keeper recalls his first relationship. A public figure, slipping into dementia, relives a fateful night that haunts him. A man seeks insights into his mother's past on a remote Portuguese island. From childhood holidays shadowed by tragedy to chance reunions that rewrite old narratives, Bolger's complex and deeply humane characters reveal the fragile beauty of human connection.
288 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2026
About the author
Dermot Bolger
98 books47 followersDermot Bolger is an Irish novelist, playwright and poet born in Finglas, a suburb of Dublin.
His work is often concerned with the articulation of the experiences of working-class characters who, for various reasons, feel alienated from society. Bolger questions the relevance of traditional nationalist concepts of Irishness, arguing for a more plural and inclusive society.
In the late 1970s Bolger set up Raven Arts Press, which he ran until 1992 when he co-founded New Island Press.
His work is often concerned with the articulation of the experiences of working-class characters who, for various reasons, feel alienated from society. Bolger questions the relevance of traditional nationalist concepts of Irishness, arguing for a more plural and inclusive society.
In the late 1970s Bolger set up Raven Arts Press, which he ran until 1992 when he co-founded New Island Press.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 1, 2026
A collection of short stories centering on life experiences and tragic relationships. The title perfectly mirrors the central theme: human imperfection is reflected in the easily condemnable actions the characters commit—or suffer—and in the errors or misfortunes for which they are either to blame or are victims. Although I felt the book lacked the emotional depth needed for a deeper connection, I found the contrast between the characters' guilt and integrity interesting. At times, the two balance out, leading to a more immediate understanding and a sense of leniency born from accepting their flaws. It fell short of expectations, but I still enjoyed it!
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Uma coleção de short fictions sem interligação que remete a histórias de vida e de relações trágicas. O nome da obra espelha perfeitamente o seu tema central: a imperfeição das pessoas é refletida nas ações facilmente condenáveis que cometem ou das quais sofrem e nos erros ou azares de que são culpadas ou vítimas. Apesar de sentir que o livro peca na profundidade emocional necessária a um melhor envolvimento, achei interessante o contraste entre a culpa e a integridade das personagens. Por vezes é possível ambas se equilibrarem ao ponto da compreensão ser mais imediata e a complacência resultado da aceitação dos seus defeitos. Ficou aquém das expectativas mas gostei!
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Uma coleção de short fictions sem interligação que remete a histórias de vida e de relações trágicas. O nome da obra espelha perfeitamente o seu tema central: a imperfeição das pessoas é refletida nas ações facilmente condenáveis que cometem ou das quais sofrem e nos erros ou azares de que são culpadas ou vítimas. Apesar de sentir que o livro peca na profundidade emocional necessária a um melhor envolvimento, achei interessante o contraste entre a culpa e a integridade das personagens. Por vezes é possível ambas se equilibrarem ao ponto da compreensão ser mais imediata e a complacência resultado da aceitação dos seus defeitos. Ficou aquém das expectativas mas gostei!
September 20, 2026
This is a wonderful collection of short stories, beautifully brought together by Dermot Bolger.
It's a collection about human relationships — the love, loneliness, mistakes, disappointments and tragedies that can shape our lives. Bolger captures the beauty and sadness of ordinary people and their very human failings.
There is something deeply Irish about these stories. They feel honest, familiar and painfully real. There is humour, sadness, tenderness and heartbreak.
A beautiful book about people, relationships and the things we sometimes get wrong. A quietly powerful collection that stays with you long after you have finished reading it.
The first story was a particular favourite.
It's a collection about human relationships — the love, loneliness, mistakes, disappointments and tragedies that can shape our lives. Bolger captures the beauty and sadness of ordinary people and their very human failings.
There is something deeply Irish about these stories. They feel honest, familiar and painfully real. There is humour, sadness, tenderness and heartbreak.
A beautiful book about people, relationships and the things we sometimes get wrong. A quietly powerful collection that stays with you long after you have finished reading it.
The first story was a particular favourite.
Review of advance copy
This book has been published in Ireland! I loved every story....depth, character and authenticity.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews