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The Deadwood Encore: A Captivating Irish Saga of Family Secrets and Ancient Healing Powers
A brilliantly inventive and witty novel about legacy and birthright from Kathleen Murray, Ireland’s brightest new literary voice.Frank Whelan is the seventh son of a seventh son, so by now should have inherited his father’s legendary healing power, but still hasn’t managed to graduate beyond small-time skin afflictions.
He already feels adrift when his twin, Bernie, reveals a life-changing decision that calls into question everything Frank thought he knew about his place in the family. And then he discovers his father had been keeping secrets of his own.
And so Frank turns to an unlikely source for guidance and finds himself on a quest for answers… from this world, and the next.
A boundlessly inventive novel about the past’s hold over the present, set in an Irish community alive with old magic and extraordinary possibility, The Deadwood Encore is an electrifying debut from one of Ireland’s most acclaimed short-fiction authors.
He already feels adrift when his twin, Bernie, reveals a life-changing decision that calls into question everything Frank thought he knew about his place in the family. And then he discovers his father had been keeping secrets of his own.
And so Frank turns to an unlikely source for guidance and finds himself on a quest for answers… from this world, and the next.
A boundlessly inventive novel about the past’s hold over the present, set in an Irish community alive with old magic and extraordinary possibility, The Deadwood Encore is an electrifying debut from one of Ireland’s most acclaimed short-fiction authors.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2022
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176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 4, 2023
Обаятельный (первый) роман, в котором авторесса буквально из всякой фигни: речевого остатка, старья, причудливого антиквариата, обломков разных религиозных культов, обрывков мыслей, ебанутых на всю голову маргиналов, аутсайдерского искусства, дальних и глубоких, как жопа, своясей с их шизанутыми традициями - создает цельный красочный мир... ну, современной Ирландии, наверное, хотя в этой песчинке там примерно бесконечность и небо в чашечке цветка. Притом это, в общем, типичный "молодежный роман" (типа Уильяма Сатклиффа) и "роман взросления" - ну и он способен бросить вызов доминирующему ныне в россии ханжескому дискурсу ее верных подданных "читателей", а это ныне уже достоинство немалых размеров.
Ну и да, я развлекательную литературу для души читаю, конечно, нечасто, но тут местами ржал в голос, до того ловко, звонко и хорошо получилось и у автора, и у переводчика (Шаши). Хотя по сути это вовсе даже не смешной настоящий готический роман.
Ну и да, я развлекательную литературу для души читаю, конечно, нечасто, но тут местами ржал в голос, до того ловко, звонко и хорошо получилось и у автора, и у переводчика (Шаши). Хотя по сути это вовсе даже не смешной настоящий готический роман.
April 12, 2022
My Rating - 4.5*
“I thought I’d reached the end… thought that whatever happened or didn’t, wasn’t nothing to do with me anymore. Now I’m wondering is this the end of my own story or the start of someone else’s? Or are we all tangled up in a middle that goes on and on?”
The Deadwood Encore by Kathleen Murray will be released April 28th with Harper Collins Ireland and is described as ‘a brilliantly inventive and witty novel about legacy and birth right.’
From the opening pages I immediately knew that I was about to be treated to a very unique experience. I tweeted that I was giddy with the excitement. The Deadwood Encore is a must read for all fans of Kevin Barry, Lisa McInerney and Caoilinn Hughes, with similarities in terms of the buzzing language, the wit and the character driven tale. As a debut it is quite an incredible novel but Kathleen Murray has pedigree, with her already recognised expertise in the short story arena, having had quite a few pieces of work published in many literary anthologies, as well as being nominated for (and being a winner of) short story awards.
The Deadwood Encore is the story of the Whelan family following the death of Billy Whelan, father and local healer. Billy Whelan tragically died in an accident leaving his wife and seven sons to grieve for his loss. Only Frank and his twin brother now remain at home, with the other brothers scattered across the globe. Frank is the seventh son of a seventh son. His father had the ability to cure ailments, a gift (or a curse depending who you’re talking to) that made him a familiar and in demand individual in their local community. After his unexpected death Frank is left with the expectation that he will fill his father’s shoes. But Frank, now in his twenties, is unsure of his own healing powers. Folk do come to his home looking for assistance for inconsequential afflictions, like warts and ringworm, but Frank is not convinced that he is really helping anyone. He is full of self-doubt.
Frank’s mother, Mrs Whelan, aka the Mater, ‘travels to the beat of her own drum’. She is a wonderfully portrayed woman who works part-time in the local supermarket but her true calling is connecting with the spirits and reading the tea leaves. Quirky, eccentric, warm-hearted and not your typical Irish mother, Mrs. Whelan is dealing with her husband’s passing in her own way. Bernie, Frank’s twin, has his own personal issues to deal with. Although poles apart in every way, Bernie and Frank always have each other’s back. Frank is accepting of most things he sees and hears but is always conscious of society in general not being as accepting. The judgemental nature of folk affects him and he worries. When Bernie reveals his future plans, Frank is shaken. Bernie always lived an uninhibited life but this new development in his future concerns Frank. As the seventh son of a seventh son, and with dwindling confidence levels, Frank is unsure of where Bernie’s announcement will leave him. Frank has questions, lots of questions and he finds solace in the most unlikely place.
With his best friend Hopper by his side, the pair embark on an odyssey that takes them down a very offbeat path, as they explore their past, present and possible futures. A combination of unconventional, wacky scenarios and multiple touching moments provide the reader with an extraordinary experience in this one-of-a-kind debut. There are side chapters throughout the book that provide the thoughts from beyond, interspersed with words from Perry Como tracks and other well known songs.
Trust me when I tell you that The Deadwood Encore is a book really unlike anything you will have read before. Kathleen Murray has delivered an electric debut with an idiosyncratic voice. The language used throughout is playful and full of Irish wit while, at the same time, conveying the important message of being true to yourself at all times. Frank goes on a journey of self-discovery with assistance from a rather peculiar source yet it all kind of makes sense in a very weird and unorthodox fashion.
The Deadwood Encore is an extremely imaginative and unique read, a comedy, a journey, a novel unafraid to be different and one that I highly recommend. I for one am already looking forward to the next book from Kathleen Murray, a new voice that deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf!
“I thought I’d reached the end… thought that whatever happened or didn’t, wasn’t nothing to do with me anymore. Now I’m wondering is this the end of my own story or the start of someone else’s? Or are we all tangled up in a middle that goes on and on?”
The Deadwood Encore by Kathleen Murray will be released April 28th with Harper Collins Ireland and is described as ‘a brilliantly inventive and witty novel about legacy and birth right.’
From the opening pages I immediately knew that I was about to be treated to a very unique experience. I tweeted that I was giddy with the excitement. The Deadwood Encore is a must read for all fans of Kevin Barry, Lisa McInerney and Caoilinn Hughes, with similarities in terms of the buzzing language, the wit and the character driven tale. As a debut it is quite an incredible novel but Kathleen Murray has pedigree, with her already recognised expertise in the short story arena, having had quite a few pieces of work published in many literary anthologies, as well as being nominated for (and being a winner of) short story awards.
The Deadwood Encore is the story of the Whelan family following the death of Billy Whelan, father and local healer. Billy Whelan tragically died in an accident leaving his wife and seven sons to grieve for his loss. Only Frank and his twin brother now remain at home, with the other brothers scattered across the globe. Frank is the seventh son of a seventh son. His father had the ability to cure ailments, a gift (or a curse depending who you’re talking to) that made him a familiar and in demand individual in their local community. After his unexpected death Frank is left with the expectation that he will fill his father’s shoes. But Frank, now in his twenties, is unsure of his own healing powers. Folk do come to his home looking for assistance for inconsequential afflictions, like warts and ringworm, but Frank is not convinced that he is really helping anyone. He is full of self-doubt.
Frank’s mother, Mrs Whelan, aka the Mater, ‘travels to the beat of her own drum’. She is a wonderfully portrayed woman who works part-time in the local supermarket but her true calling is connecting with the spirits and reading the tea leaves. Quirky, eccentric, warm-hearted and not your typical Irish mother, Mrs. Whelan is dealing with her husband’s passing in her own way. Bernie, Frank’s twin, has his own personal issues to deal with. Although poles apart in every way, Bernie and Frank always have each other’s back. Frank is accepting of most things he sees and hears but is always conscious of society in general not being as accepting. The judgemental nature of folk affects him and he worries. When Bernie reveals his future plans, Frank is shaken. Bernie always lived an uninhibited life but this new development in his future concerns Frank. As the seventh son of a seventh son, and with dwindling confidence levels, Frank is unsure of where Bernie’s announcement will leave him. Frank has questions, lots of questions and he finds solace in the most unlikely place.
With his best friend Hopper by his side, the pair embark on an odyssey that takes them down a very offbeat path, as they explore their past, present and possible futures. A combination of unconventional, wacky scenarios and multiple touching moments provide the reader with an extraordinary experience in this one-of-a-kind debut. There are side chapters throughout the book that provide the thoughts from beyond, interspersed with words from Perry Como tracks and other well known songs.
Trust me when I tell you that The Deadwood Encore is a book really unlike anything you will have read before. Kathleen Murray has delivered an electric debut with an idiosyncratic voice. The language used throughout is playful and full of Irish wit while, at the same time, conveying the important message of being true to yourself at all times. Frank goes on a journey of self-discovery with assistance from a rather peculiar source yet it all kind of makes sense in a very weird and unorthodox fashion.
The Deadwood Encore is an extremely imaginative and unique read, a comedy, a journey, a novel unafraid to be different and one that I highly recommend. I for one am already looking forward to the next book from Kathleen Murray, a new voice that deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf!
April 4, 2022
What a great book, so witty and original. A MUST READ.
August 16, 2023
It's quirky and movie/dream-like, and deeply Irish, and with this ineffable gentle touch of eeriness I love in Irish way of being with things.
July 5, 2022
A-somewhat weird-coming of age story.Friendship.Love.Family.Choices.History and lovely yarns. Characters you get to love.A sprinkle of magic.All of this,and more,written in lovely prose,and in the end,everything's as it should be.
I do love me Irish writers,so I do.:)
I do love me Irish writers,so I do.:)
May 13, 2022
Totally enjoyed this read, the writer Kathleen Murray has such an ear for dialogue . Her characters jump off the page she captures so well the fun, challenges and misunderstandings that form part of life. The warmth of behind the banter between friends is well set out. The story with its magical element of the Da takes you on a journey that circles around until it reaches its conclusion, where everything is where it should be. Love to see a Spotify play list of the music lyrics quoted throughout the Novel
Read
May 2, 2022Such an engaging and entertaining read ... loved the country vernacular and quick-fire wit ... brought the characters to life for me. Mad stuff happens but you go along with it 100%!
January 8, 2024
If you have read Pratchett, then remember this topic of the seventh son inheriting the family's magical gift (although Sir Terrence, to be precise, is talking about the eighth), and problems related to issues of gender. If not, I explain: according to the belief, the seventh son in the family should have magical abilities. The gift grows stronger, passing from generation to generation, the first in the family who owns it has one level of strength, the hereditary sorcerer in the third generation has a completely different power. Frank is the seventh son of a famous healer, who himself was the seventh son of a famous witch doctor, their fame extends far beyond the borders of Carlow County.
Kathleen Merry has made a wonderfully atmospheric novel, where modernity is bubbling and ancient beliefs are blowing, social problems seem to exist, but ordinary people somehow know how to get settled: someone with a Finnish sauna and Korean snacks in the middle of the Irish hills, someone in a grocery store, from where mountains of arrears and non-conditions move home, and when you lose your job, being fired from a sawmill is an excuse not to beat against the wall in despair, but to hum with a friend at a beach party. And feminism is different here, without the indiscriminate accusation of men, but - that's how it was with poor girls, and quite recently. But now the filthy place where they were tortured has been swept away by a hurricane.
A great book, and the translation by Shasha Martynova, who taught us to love our Inner Ireland, is always a holiday.
Иногда они возвращаются
Видите ли, эта книга также касается вопросов пола. Не того, паркетного, деревянного или земляного, а мужского и женского. Поэтому герои могут в любой момент выйти из-под контроля автора.Такое случается.
Терри Пратчетт "Творцы заклинаний"
Если вы читали Пратчетта, то помните эту тему седьмого сына, наследующего фамильный магический дар (хотя у сэра Терренса, если совсем точно, речь о восьмом), и проблемы, связанные с вопросами пола, в смысле - гендера. Если нет - объясняю: согласно поверью, седьмой сын в семье должен обладать магическими способностями. Дар крепнет, переходя из поколения в поколение, у первого в роду, владеющего им, один уровень силы, у потомственного ведуна в третьем колене совсем другая мощь. Фрэнк седьмой сын знаменитого врачевателя, который и сам был седьмым сыном известного ведуна, слава о них простирается далеко за пределы графства Карлоу.
Только вот, у Фрэнка с целительством не срастается.Он думал, что к восемнадцатилетию вспыхнет ярким пламенем, но пока только и может, что бородавки сводить. "Стоит подождать 21 года," - утешает он себя, в глубине души понимая, что дар либо есть, либо его нет, и похоже, сам он внезапно лишен родовых способностей. Или все-таки нет? А может он и не седьмой сын вовсе? Тут ведь вот какая штука получилась, они с Берни близнецы, тот, шестой, родился на восемь минут раньше, стало быть Фрэнк седьмой, но если седьмой по счету ребенок, не седьмой сын? Вопросы, вопросы... Почему Батя скончался так внезапно. не успев передать секретов мастерства. а может, и вправду, он вернулся в той фигурке языческого божка, которую Матерь откопала среди хлама в барахлавке соседа-старьевшика?
И да, так оно и есть. Папа заперт в божке, а "Божок на бис" - буквально возвращение вир��уоза, которого зрители не отпускают со сцены. Только вот, вернули его совсем не за тем, о чем думает парень, у него другой не отданный долг, не искупленная вина, хотя бы даже и невольная, которая держит в междумирье, не дает покинуть этих гребеней. Отцу, запертому в истуканчике, поможет решить то давнее дело его бесталанный сын, который окажется совсем не таким бестолковым, как сам о себе думает и как о нем думаем мы. Вместе с приятелем Скоком, чемпионом по поеданию зеленого лука на ежегодном фестивале лукоедов, они отправятся в путешествие по глубинной Ирландии, где люди живут свою маленькую жизнь, а на каркас католического базиса налипла разномастная эзотерика.
Катлин Мёрри сделала замечательно атмосферный роман, где бурлит современность и веет древними поверьями, социальные проблемы, вроде бы, существуют, но простые люди как-то умеют устроиться: кто с финской баней и корейскими закусками посреди ирландских холмов, кто в продуктовом, откуда перемещаются домой горы просрочки и некондиции, и когда теряешь работу, уволенный с лесопилки - это повод не биться в отчаянии о стену, а загудеть с приятелем на пляжной вечеринке. И феминизм здесь другой, без огульного обвинения мужчин, а - вот так было с бедными девочками, и совсем ведь недавно. Но теперь место то поганое, где их мучили, ураганом разметало.
Отличная книга, а перевод Шаши Мартыновой, которая научила нас любить свою Внутреннюю Ирландию - всегда праздник.
Kathleen Merry has made a wonderfully atmospheric novel, where modernity is bubbling and ancient beliefs are blowing, social problems seem to exist, but ordinary people somehow know how to get settled: someone with a Finnish sauna and Korean snacks in the middle of the Irish hills, someone in a grocery store, from where mountains of arrears and non-conditions move home, and when you lose your job, being fired from a sawmill is an excuse not to beat against the wall in despair, but to hum with a friend at a beach party. And feminism is different here, without the indiscriminate accusation of men, but - that's how it was with poor girls, and quite recently. But now the filthy place where they were tortured has been swept away by a hurricane.
A great book, and the translation by Shasha Martynova, who taught us to love our Inner Ireland, is always a holiday.
Иногда они возвращаются
Видите ли, эта книга также касается вопросов пола. Не того, паркетного, деревянного или земляного, а мужского и женского. Поэтому герои могут в любой момент выйти из-под контроля автора.Такое случается.
Терри Пратчетт "Творцы заклинаний"
Если вы читали Пратчетта, то помните эту тему седьмого сына, наследующего фамильный магический дар (хотя у сэра Терренса, если совсем точно, речь о восьмом), и проблемы, связанные с вопросами пола, в смысле - гендера. Если нет - объясняю: согласно поверью, седьмой сын в семье должен обладать магическими способностями. Дар крепнет, переходя из поколения в поколение, у первого в роду, владеющего им, один уровень силы, у потомственного ведуна в третьем колене совсем другая мощь. Фрэнк седьмой сын знаменитого врачевателя, который и сам был седьмым сыном известного ведуна, слава о них простирается далеко за пределы графства Карлоу.
Только вот, у Фрэнка с целительством не срастается.Он думал, что к восемнадцатилетию вспыхнет ярким пламенем, но пока только и может, что бородавки сводить. "Стоит подождать 21 года," - утешает он себя, в глубине души понимая, что дар либо есть, либо его нет, и похоже, сам он внезапно лишен родовых способностей. Или все-таки нет? А может он и не седьмой сын вовсе? Тут ведь вот какая штука получилась, они с Берни близнецы, тот, шестой, родился на восемь минут раньше, стало быть Фрэнк седьмой, но если седьмой по счету ребенок, не седьмой сын? Вопросы, вопросы... Почему Батя скончался так внезапно. не успев передать секретов мастерства. а может, и вправду, он вернулся в той фигурке языческого божка, которую Матерь откопала среди хлама в барахлавке соседа-старьевшика?
И да, так оно и есть. Папа заперт в божке, а "Божок на бис" - буквально возвращение вир��уоза, которого зрители не отпускают со сцены. Только вот, вернули его совсем не за тем, о чем думает парень, у него другой не отданный долг, не искупленная вина, хотя бы даже и невольная, которая держит в междумирье, не дает покинуть этих гребеней. Отцу, запертому в истуканчике, поможет решить то давнее дело его бесталанный сын, который окажется совсем не таким бестолковым, как сам о себе думает и как о нем думаем мы. Вместе с приятелем Скоком, чемпионом по поеданию зеленого лука на ежегодном фестивале лукоедов, они отправятся в путешествие по глубинной Ирландии, где люди живут свою маленькую жизнь, а на каркас католического базиса налипла разномастная эзотерика.
Катлин Мёрри сделала замечательно атмосферный роман, где бурлит современность и веет древними поверьями, социальные проблемы, вроде бы, существуют, но простые люди как-то умеют устроиться: кто с финской баней и корейскими закусками посреди ирландских холмов, кто в продуктовом, откуда перемещаются домой горы просрочки и некондиции, и когда теряешь работу, уволенный с лесопилки - это повод не биться в отчаянии о стену, а загудеть с приятелем на пляжной вечеринке. И феминизм здесь другой, без огульного обвинения мужчин, а - вот так было с бедными девочками, и совсем ведь недавно. Но теперь место то поганое, где их мучили, ураганом разметало.
Отличная книга, а перевод Шаши Мартыновой, которая научила нас любить свою Внутреннюю Ирландию - всегда праздник.
November 3, 2022
Frank is the seventh son of a seventh son who doubts his inherited powers to heal, particularly when his twin brother shares some news. After a piece of deadwood comes into Frank's hands which might just be haunted by his dead father, he finds himself on an enchanting road trip with his champion scallion-eating best friend to try and discover the truth of his heritage.
As an atheist/sceptic I sometimes lose my patience with otherworldly stories, especially when they take themselves too seriously, but when it's done with such charm like this, I could read it all day. And I did. This was such a thoroughly entertaining read. I'm a total sucker for witty writing about quirky families. This might just be my book of the year. Loved it.
As an atheist/sceptic I sometimes lose my patience with otherworldly stories, especially when they take themselves too seriously, but when it's done with such charm like this, I could read it all day. And I did. This was such a thoroughly entertaining read. I'm a total sucker for witty writing about quirky families. This might just be my book of the year. Loved it.
June 27, 2023
This was a really enjoyable audible listen, an original story that was exceptionally narrated. Set in Cavan, Ireland in the present day the plot revolves around Frank Whelan - the 7th son of a 7th son. There's a bit of mystery and magic (in an "is it, isn't it" sort of way) but really it's a coming of age story.
I think the author has a fantastic grasp of dialogue, the banter was easy and familiar and the characterisation was strong. Really interesting exploration of familial relationship and friendship and growing up. I did think the plot lost its way about 2/3 of the way in, hence the 3 stars.
I think the author has a fantastic grasp of dialogue, the banter was easy and familiar and the characterisation was strong. Really interesting exploration of familial relationship and friendship and growing up. I did think the plot lost its way about 2/3 of the way in, hence the 3 stars.
September 11, 2022
This is a modern Irish road trip with two young fellas trying to find themselves - it’s hilarious really quirky and reflects modern ireland with traditional roots. A great read for anyone
October 19, 2022
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Such a zany and fun story! Would definitely recommend checking it out
February 19, 2023
I just didn't care about the protagonist and fell asleep after a couple of pages every night. Not my thing.
July 5, 2023
Genuinely hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews