The Fool of New York City: A Novel

by Michael D. O'Brien

Set in present day Manhattan, The Fool of New York City is the tale of two souls who are considered to be -fools- and -idiots- in the eyes of most people they encounter.

One is a literal giant, the other an amnesiac who believes he is the 17th century Spanish painter Francisco de Goya, hundreds of years old, aging more slowly than the rest of the human race. Billy the giant has also briefly suffered from amnesia years ago, and he understands the anguish of those who have lost their identity. He is an apparently simple person, a failed basketball player with an enormous good heart who takes Francisco under his wing after they meet through a seeming coincidence. Together they undertake a laborious search to discover Francisco's true past.

The trail leads them to numerous adventures, into the shrouded realm of hidden memories, the ironies and complexities of human character and destiny, of catastrophic evil and of redemption. It is a journey into the mysterious dimensions of the mind. It is about trauma and remembrance in America.

Genres: Fiction, Catholic, Christian, Christian Fiction

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Michael D. O'Brien is a Roman Catholic author, artist, and frequent essayist and lecturer on faith and culture, living in Combermere, Ontario, Canada.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to objectively critique The Fool of New York City, this fine, fine work. Like some of the characters, who appear as living beings in my very presence, I suffer from and am healed by a goodly number of all too similar maladies and circumstances they encounter. I wept at times, tears of self-revelation and renewed joy. You see, being objective about yourself remains a sensitive issue for most if not all of humanity.

It is a MUST READ and I urge you, as the author would, to read it in its physical manifestation, don't wait for the convenience of Kindle. It’s important to handle and turn the physical pages as broken lives, like delicate parchment, pass through your hands and heart. Indeed, convenience can be a great obstacle to happiness (a minor but critical theme in the book).

It is difficult to discuss even diminutive details without playing the Spoiler. It is one of the most truly Humane works I have encountered in some time. Michael D. O'Brien understands true Humanism and this book is a touchstone to a much larger world. I need a second reading after a few days and nights clear my mind and soul of its first rumination.

The Fool of New York City is shorter than most of his works but no less full of cultural critical mass, gravitas and authentic hope.

[John O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out, for some reason, from all the author's novels -- all of which are beautiful reads. But "The Fool of New York City", while shorter than a typical O'Brien, is no less full of character portraits and spiritual insights that will sear the soul. I predict that this novel will be a favourite for many, amongst his others, on account of its power to direct the reader to an intense compassion for humanity. Unique among his novels, O'Brien here fuses comedy and tragedy to evoke the profound joy that is at the heart of our human condition. Ultimately this book is about "mercy" in the biblical sense. Highly recommended.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It seems a simple story, of a homeless man in NYC who has no memory. In fact, when a kindly man who is very tall, almost giant-tall, brings him home and tries to help him discover who he is, he comes to the conclusion that his name is Francisco de Goya. Billy, the kindly giant, has a lot of patience, and together the two men try to discover Francisco's past. O'Brien is such a great storyteller, and even though this book is not as layered as Strangers and Sojourners, or as edgy as Father Elijah (which I loved), this book touched my heart. There is heartbreak and healing in these pages. I will be passing this on to a few people that I know who need to read it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t many authors who do character development with the same thoroughness as Michael O’Brien.

And, say some of my reading pals, few use as many words as he does either.

I can only laugh, because however slowly his novels may move at times, he captures me with his prose and holds me.

His newest novel, The Fool of New York City, is one of the shorter books he’s written: at under 300 pages, it’s not even very hefty. The story within the covers, though, is filled with characters who you know and love by the end, who may fill your mind with their own stories if you let them.

Francisco is found by Billy, and the two become friends. Billy takes care of Francisco and tries to help him remember his life; because of his amnesia, he’s convinced he is Francisco de Goya (as in the 18th century painter) and just aging a lot differently than the rest of the world.

O’Brien’s characters are long on character: Billy is at least 7 feet tall, lives in an abandoned building that he’s remodeling, keeps hens on the roof, and views himself as a rescuer. He’s simple in a way that’s pure innocence and good in a way that’s sheer saint.

And if I’m talking as though I’ve met him, it’s because that’s how I feel after reading this book, that I met Billy Revere and shared some omelets with him, perhaps watched him as he jogged through Central Park.

Francisco eventually finds his way into his true identity, thanks to Billy’s patient support and help. There’s even a bit of a “happily ever after” to this (not so un-O’Brien-like, that)…but not without some wondering.

There were parts of this story that were harrowing and there’s a depth of feeling that I appreciated…I didn’t relate with the specifics, but there’s a mourning and a sorrowing within the story, central to both the main characters, that is, quite possibly, very human. It’s beautifully extracted and woven together in a beautiful tapestry.

[Foreign Grid]

Better than the last books.
I just wish there was more plot. I think that's why, generally (although not technically) The Voyage to Alpha Centauri and Father Ellijah are my favorite books to read from OBrien. This book however is better on the technical side, isn't heavy (literally), and most likely wont aggravate people of different opinions and faiths.

Also I've noticed a kind of trend in a few of O'Brien's protagonists.

-Somewhat Happy childhood with some faith influence
-Tragic backstory that ends said childhood and 'everyone dies' (not EVERYONE, but everyone who matters most to the protagonist)
-Becomes jaded young adult with a questioning faith.
-Somewhere in all of the above he meets love interests #1
- Love interest #1 either dies or dumps him
-Love interest #2 comes along and they hit it off or decide to remain as friends.
-Incredible hardships define the protagonists life for a bit, he nearly goes insane or dies.
-then stuff happens and we get a decently happy or heart wrenching ending that scars us for life
-Character resumes road to faith or just embraces it.

Ex. Father Elijah, Matthew, and that guy from Island of the World (im bad at remembering names)...Jonah?

Not saying this is a bad sequence of events, because O Brien manages to wrench the emotions out of me even when I know 'everyone's going to die' but all the same, something to note.

[Mary Kate Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved every O’Brien book I’ve read so far and this was certainly no exception and it actually might be my favorite of his that I’ve read so far. I was extremely confused for the first few chapters (but then again, the first person narrator is an apparently homeless man with no memory and no idea who he is or how he got there so you are probably meant to be as confused as he is at the beginning).

As the story progresses and things start to fall into place, Michael O’Briens masterful ability to capture the depth and breadth of the human experience is just breathtaking. I don’t really know what else to say without spoiling the book other than do yourself a favor and read this beautiful, beautiful book.

[Dumpling Dumpling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fool Of New York City By Distinguished Canadian Writer Michael D. O'Brien Is Croatian Language Translation By Croatian Catholic Church Publisher Verbum, Split 2018 And Is Published With Support Of The Municipality Of Split
Chapter 1 Awakening From The Dream Pages 1-21
You are awakening from the dream. The dream dissolves in icy breath of your mouth. From the bed you are sleeping in, you glance at the window which brings light into the room...Putting your legs by the edge of your deathbed, you are touching the coldness of the floor...It's not your time yet...
I Translated This Excerpt For Promo Purpose Only In Novi Marof's City Library September 12 2019 And Is Dedicated To Late Granny Madge's Ray Of Light Music Video

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Fool of New York City” by Michael D. O’Brien is the second novel I’ve read where 9-11 plays a paramount role . The other was “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” but I can’t say I loved either one. Maybe it’s still too soon and maybe this is how the Greatest Generation feels when they are reading WWII books but 16 years post, it still feels a little opportunistic to include 9-11 in your novel - a sure way to sell books perhaps? That said, artists through the ages have turned to painting and writing and music to try to make sense of the world they live in. And to that end, “The Fool of New York City” gives hope to the hopeless and may renew your faith in the goodness of others. It’s not a simple fable though- at times it gets a little heady and would definitely provide weeks of discussion in an English literature seminar. It’s not a bad way to spend 2-3 hours of your time whipping through this.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, for a book written by Michael O'Brien, and very enjoyable. It was a captivating story, as his stories usually are. In fact, one of the central themes of this book is Story.

Along the way, there is a nod to Dr Montessori and a swipe at the negative effects and absurdity of the culture of excess telecommunications in which we live.

This book also differs from O'Brien's usual fiction in that it is not very overtly Catholic, though the overall message is definitely a Christian one and there are gentle hints and elements throughout of the Catholic faith.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To venture is to risk loss; and to seek a treasure that is beyond valuation is to risk monumental, devastating loss.”

“Waiting is the primary language of love—waiting in faithful presence to the other.”

“…he was who he was not only because of his nature and upbringing but also by his personal sufferings—rather, by what he had done with them.”

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

O'Brien may not be the best novelist - sometimes the plots and characters are almost too idealised in their saintliness - but he never fails to make me feel deeply. I was stunned a number of times as I read this story of loss, sorrow, and hope.

[Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book entranced me. Was it the waves or the story that kept me by the sea from morning until evening? It had the effect of transporting to another time, another world.

A great reflection on tragedy, loss, healing, friendship, and patience. Would recommend

[Ann-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as always.

[Amanda Valdez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This honestly was a hard book for me. I don't know why I couldn't get into it very well. The first half was excruciating, but the second half, after he finds his room of memories, finally started to feel like a story. I was very scared I wasn't going to be able to finish it, but I did! Whoop!

[Abby Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could’ve read it cover to cover in one day!! So intriguing and enthralling and draws you right in from the get go. Really beautiful story of suffering and healing and companionship told in Michael O’Brien’s casual but wonderful writing. Would absolutely recommend (but - while unrelated - I’d recommend Fr. Elijah first)

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected something more like Laurus (although I realize there's really not much like "Laurus,") and was quite surprised by where this book went. It wasn't bad at all, in fact it is quite an engrossing and quick read. I liked a lot what it said about our human brokenness and the healing of community and friendship.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael O'Brien's The Fool of New York City was an engaging read. It begins with a disorienting use of 2nd person present narration which matches well the narrators own state of mind; he has amnesia. He is taken in by a friendly "giant", Billy, who has made it his life mission to rescue people who fall outside of more official channels. The pair set out to search memory and memorabilia. Most of the book is in first-person present as the narrator lives in the present trying to find his past.

The use of point-of-view and tense helps mirror the narrators state of mind. In general, the writing style helps to reinforce the feel and movement of the story. On the other hand, certain scenes seem to be more about the author's views than the story, such as a scene with the border patrol and during the book's resolution. When he came through too strong, I was taken out of the story.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. The narrator's story really drew me into his experience. I don't know that it's a book I'd want to read again but I am glad I read it once.

[William Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and beautiful book. I found myself with moist eyes every 20 pages or so because much of it hit close to home for me. My life has mirrored some of the most harrowing of tragedies analogous to those in this book. Gaining insight, wisdom, and growth through pain, suffering, and tragedy is a very important theme and should be a primary goal for every person.

My only criticism would be that the characters at times almost seemed unreal, or maybe too good to be true. The main character seemed to have unnatural wisdom; wisdom that the author certainly wishes to share, but almost beyond reality in a twenty year old lacking serious spiritual formation.

That said, we are so unaccustomed to reading books that are not laced with cynicism or an emphasis on the fallenness and tawdry aspects of mankind, typically sexual sin so prominent in novels. It's a rare read that portrays what is good, true, and beautiful whilst in no way avoiding the very darkest parts of humanity. This was an intensely refreshing read. I did not want this book to end; it reads really fast. I now long for O'Brien's next book and I hope it's a lot like this one.

[Dennis Henn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long moaned how few good Christian authors write intelligent fiction that isn't explicitly Christian. Where are the artists, musicians and authors of faith who will impact the world beyond the Christian walls because what they create moves us? Michael O'Brien may be such a person.
I was confused during the first third of the book, looking for symbolism or metaphor where it did not exist. I was also simply confused; a story of an amnesiac creates some confusion. Then the book exploded. Powerful, painful, beautiful, redemptive, love lost, more love lost, a life lost, a life found, love discovered, love painted, a redeemer in the shadows.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would not under normal circumstances find itself on my radar. I was near giving up on this one mostly due to the narrative style. At times the characters tone and word choice seemed...unnatural I guess. The point of view was strange and I couldn't seem to focus on the story and the author was losing his credibility with me. However, O'Brien then gives us Francoise. I finished the book because of her. When she meets the protagonist she asks him, "So what century are you from?" Immediately I gave this short novel my full attention. He thinks it's odd but rolls with it when he replies, "this one...and you?" She informs him that she too is from this century. I was transfixed... if anyone ever asked me that I think I would just stare in amazement and inform the person I would like to be best friends for the rest of my living days. So she interested me and her character was convincing. O'Brien introduces a second lovely female character towards the book's end.

Now, because of Francoise I began to take the story more seriously. It is a story about trauma and the far-reaching effects it can have on one's life as well as those around us. This particular trauma is unresolved and we see "Francisco" suffer the effects of keeping it buried. Or, rather, Francisco is the representation of the fractured person. He is the artist with no past, present, or future...he is only the re-representation of the trauma. He is the artist but his identity is appropriated from the past; he is the vehicle by which the pain can be expressed and re-expressed. The pain becomes Max's unauthentic identity until he suffers a rift induced by Francoise.
The fool of New York is in a sad state because, like many fools, he doesn't recognize his fractured self and the ridiculousness he invites as a result, rage and overwhelming fear mostly that lies within the hair trigger. Francoise notes this immediately but one can't make someone else confront it. She realizes this and wisely exists stage left. Many of us I fear attempt to take the walking wounded upon ourselves. If the wound is serious enough it bleeds and requires medical attention. An appropriate analogy I suppose would be someone getting shot and denying injury while another person follows the injured man with a mop cleaning up the blood. Francoise was not going to do this and Max could not seem to acknowledge the injury. This I think is foolish and warrants the title. Yet, how easy it is to be the fool.

Francoise is also interesting because she lacks a spiritual depth...she is almost exclusively like glorious reason shining bright, illuminating the gargantuan shadow cast by Max. Her lack of weakness I suppose forces Max to confront the reality of the life he made. However, she too suffers a type of flaw...I don't know, the embodiment of empirical rationalism of the enlightenment perhaps.

Max can represent many different interpretations. It is perhaps not by chance O'Brien places upon Max the wound of a nation

[Zachary McGuinness · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite novels. Michael O'Brien has an acute ability to capture the tragedy of fallen humanity through the story of a character. This tragedy is difficult to witness. However, we have all experienced it already. Every human knows this suffering and few know how to deal with it. Without hope the only answer is despair. O'Brien never directly references religion, salvation, or Christ, but he poetically ties it in throughout the story, particularly through images of Mary. You would likely not notice this if you are not Catholic. Entering into the tragedy of another's story connects us to the reality of its presence in our lives. To enjoy a book for this reason alone would be quite off-putting. I love O'Brien's ability to draw this aspect of life out through story because it reminds me that suffering does not have the last word. Most of the world has accepted that suffering and death are just a part of life, and they have no meaning. Few other works have inspired me so much to make the message of salvation known to the world than O'Brien's The Fools of New York City. There is reason for hope, and Billy's character offers us an example of how to give this hope to others.

[Sweetnessandlight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Become who we already are. I bought this book for my husband who is a fan of Michael O'Brien for Valentine's day. And then read it first.

I read a couple of Michael O'Brien's books about 20 years ago. Although, I found the storylines compelling, I was unable to get into the stories. I found them a little two dimensional. There was a certain kind of sparseness that for some reason kept the stories from me. The characters seemed to exist in a somewhat confined space. I always wondered if this was deliberate on the author's part but was too shy to ask on the occasions that I met him. I consider him a cultural giant among men. It also could have been my own limited perspective.

The Fool of new York City has aspects of this sparseness but for some reason, it is different in this novel. This tale had a sweet and bittersweet complexity. I loved every moment of the story. There were so many compelling moments of losing and finding and losing and finding. It was fascinating to watch the characters unfold in their "Becom(ing) who we already are".

I am hoping to persuade all the members of my household to read this book in the next several months. The best book I have read in several years!

[Adrian Simmons]

Entered this book on the recommendation of a friend and in search of a good fiction outlet. I found the author’s narrative pulling me along in a good way, wondering what was around next corner and how he would develop. I found the story premise interesting and honestly unpacked, and some of the discoveries along the way surfacing authentic emotion and memories of my own. To me, a marker of good fiction is also keen and accurate perspectives into human nature and human behavior, which I felt the author had and shared, if subtly. An enjoyable, flowing read and would recommend for those looking for a similar outlet.

[Jill Kriegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have time for a pretty easy read, I have a beautiful little novel for you: The Fool of New York City, by Michael D. O’Brien.

O’Brien literary worlds are favorite (even in their darknesses, easily in their glories) places of mine. The world of this novel is a world we know, firsthand or at a short distance, and its richness—of character and setting and interiority—I found very moving.

Simplicity. The transcendent nature of reality.
The True, the Good, and the Beautiful.

That’s it, nothing more. What more could we want?

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this randomly in my kindle library, yet it was so immersive and pulling that I completed it in the same day. The plot line was humorous, a bit absurd, and had a few twists to keep the reader on their toes. Overall, a refreshing light read. Regardless of its dour undertone, I found the overarching theme of hospitality in brotherly love quite compelling and restoring to my faith in humanity. Recommend the read, but a fair warning, the bizarre beginning really creates an addictive hook for the reader; be careful.

[Warren Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Billy and Francisco are such lovable characters! While the writing wasn’t spectacular, O’Brian is a gifted story teller. I really enjoyed much of the dialogue.

The book became much less interesting to me whenever Billy was out of the picture, it’s innocence turning into a romanticized Puritanism for the modern age. Worse, the events of 9-11, while handled appropriately for the most part, were in other parts callously exploited to meet the author’s own ends.

Overall, though... I liked it.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently joined a book club and this was the very first novel that was chosen by another member. It is not something that I would normally pick to read. That said, often times stepping outside of your normal genres can have a big payoff. Yes, I liked this book and I am glad that I read it. In fact, once I got to the 2nd half, I could barely put it down.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story with characters I can't stop thinking about. One of Michael O'Brien's best books. I will read this again just to absorb all the beauty and goodness that is made present through his characters. No one can make me feel like I know a character in a book personally like Michael O'Brien. It was a book I couldn't put down. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this book!

[Angie Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Michael D. O'Brian book added to the list! This was a hard book to read at first (especially as a 13 yr old) but as I continued on, it became more enjoyable and easy to follow along with the characters. Mr. O'Brian has a way of capturing his readers with interesting storylines and characters. He is an exceptional writer and a wonderful poet!

[Ryan Storch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about how us humans tend to forget those important of things. A story about a man who loses himself in the service of others. A story about deep suffering, and finding meaning within it all. I felt like this was a modern day fable, one to read to the kids. Thank you Michael O’Brien for yet again creating art that lifts my soul to the Lord.