On the Beat

by Mary T. O'Connor

Book by O'Connor, Mary T.

Genres: Nonfiction

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good read

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Mary T O'Connor who decides that her mother's application for her to join the Gardai Siochana might be an interesting impulse and who goes for it. She finds it interesting but in some ways heartbreaking (while the book closes with her still in the gardai, the back cover states that she's a former member of the force) she asks the questions that many people should ask, like why we aren't caring for those who are desperate and why it is that society doesn't regard domestic abuse as seriously as it should.

She's an interesting writer, drawing from her life experiences as well as her experience on the beat. Amusingly enough she and I possibly passed each other while she was on her beat around the city centre.

An interesting insight into the life and times of a female Garda in Ireland. Also has some insight into the Irish attitude to authority, both from Gardai and women. If you were looking to write something about the rougher end of things in Ireland this would be a good read for some insights.

[Triona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just shows that although things have changed slightly, much remains the same. Nothing surprising about this book.