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Bad Bread, Good Blues
Faced with an uncertain future, a young Londoner becomes obsessed with a previous life in Prague and what he left of himself there. A searing, honest reflection on the moments that define us, Bad Bread, Good Blues is a novel about heartbreak and hope, life in a foreign land, tragically unsuccessful weekend breaks and nearly disastrous writing trips. It is about baking to stave off the blues, seeking solace in travel, and enjoying the unique characters we encounter along the way. Written with frank honesty, Bad Bread, Good Blues explores love, life's micro-dramas, the trials we each face in our day-to-day lives, and how a nation's culture can be measured in the quality of its bread.
238 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2019
About the author
Ronan O'Shea
2 books7 followersRonan O'Shea is an Irish writer from London.
His debut novel, Murphy Who Talks, was published by Indie Novella in October 2025.
'Murphy likes things quiet. As the barman at the Pursers’ Retainer, a half-forgotten pub in North London, he treasures the silence left behind by absent customers. The empty seats are both a blessing and a curse: his sanctuary is safe, but the pub is on the brink of closure. Murphy has a gift for talking people into leaving him alone—long, winding stories that trap questions rather than answer them. But when the threat of redundancy looms, he sees an unlikely win-win: turn the pub into London’s first silent pub. No phones. No chatter. Just the perfect place for peace—until Instagram and the media get hold of it.'
His debut novel, Murphy Who Talks, was published by Indie Novella in October 2025.
'Murphy likes things quiet. As the barman at the Pursers’ Retainer, a half-forgotten pub in North London, he treasures the silence left behind by absent customers. The empty seats are both a blessing and a curse: his sanctuary is safe, but the pub is on the brink of closure. Murphy has a gift for talking people into leaving him alone—long, winding stories that trap questions rather than answer them. But when the threat of redundancy looms, he sees an unlikely win-win: turn the pub into London’s first silent pub. No phones. No chatter. Just the perfect place for peace—until Instagram and the media get hold of it.'
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July 29, 2026
This book was quite unusual in its style but I really enjoyed reading it. Following a young man from a London as he reflects on the time he spent in Prague, and some of the defining moments of his life so far, this book was a fabulous reflection on relationships, mental health, and navigating different chapters of life. The complexity of the human experience was captured so well, and the honesty and humor contained throughout the unique narrative made it a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review