In the Castle of the Flynns

by Michael Raleigh

When Daniel Dorsey's parents die in a car crash, it's a devastating loss. But once the wake is over, at least he's fortunate enough to have a large extended family welcoming him with open arms, offering him care and comfort...and another chance at childhood. From a Ferris-wheel ride with a nun to a bus trip with a live chicken, In the Castle of the Flynns is a novel both mournful and merry-an unforgettable portrait of a boy growing up in1950s Chicago.

Genres: Fiction, Irish Literature, Book Club, Coming Of Age, Ireland

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Michael Raleigh is the author of eleven novels. His novel POE STREET (Level Best Books) will come out in March. His most recent book is MURDER IN THE SUMMER OF LOVE (Coffeetown Press), 2021. Previous books include PEERLESS DETECTIVE, 2015 (Diversion Books), THE CONJURER'S BOY, 2013 (Harvard Square Editions), IN THE CASTLE OF THE FLYNNS (Sourcebooks 2002, reprinted 2012) THE BLUE MOON CIRCUS (Sourcebooks 2003) and the five Paul Whelan mysteries (DEATH IN UPTOWN, A BODY IN BELMONT HARBOR, THE MAXWELL STREET BLUES, A KILLER ON ARGYLE STREET, AND THE RIVERVIEW MURDERS, all originally published by St. Martin's Press and re-released by Diversion Books in February 2015). The Riverview Murders won the first Eugene Izzi Award. He has received four Illinois Arts Council Grants for fiction.

Along the way to becoming a novelist, Michael worked in a bank, tended bar for many years, operated a punch press in a factory, made microfiche, ran an office for the City of Chicago's anti-poverty program, wrote grants for the Salvation Army, and taught English and Chicago History at Truman College. He currently teaches freshman writing for DePaul University's Honors Program and First Year Writing Program.

Michael is married to Katherine and has three children, Sean, Peter, and Caitlin.

Reviews

[Carolyn Agosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on the recommendation of my sister, and I certainly pass on that recommendation. This story, which reads like a true experience, is not only a wonderful look at the Irish Catholic experience in 1955 Chicago, it's also a story about how love (or the lack of it) determines so much in our lives. The book is hilarious in places (like the wedding of the main character's uncle, where the world's oldest man arrives late to church and shuffles in at the 'pace of the Wisconsin glacier', and touching in many places, bringing me to tears. Basically, it's exactly like a good old Irish wake. Just be prepared to spend some time with it - you won't be able to put this book down. I don't give many (any?) five-star reviews, but this book certainly deserves all five of those stars. Maybe a couple more, too.

[Robert Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good story about growing up in a Chicago neighborhood in the 50s.I can remember everything in this book like it was yesterday.If you did not grow up in Chicago or any other large city,this book will give you a feel of what it was all about.
Last Saturday the author,Michael Raleigh,gave a talk at the Villa Park library and it was great.
I can't think of any of my friends who wouldn't give this book 5 stars.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been born in 1944 and grown up in the exact neighborhood featured in this novel, I could relate in great detail to the heart of this story. Schooled by the nuns, living close to Clyburn and Diversey, a graduate of DePaul Academy, and a young free spirit of the neighborhood and Lincoln Park lagoon, I relived some of adventures shared with my old buddies. Thanks for the memories and a really good story.

[Alastair Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, funny and thoughtful...growing up in a family that's not your own...through a child's mind. Cleverly written from deep inside a boys brain!

Simultaneously likeable and heartbreaking and entertaining and poignant.

Enjoyable with an edge!

[Diane Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely writing.

[Bernice · Rating 4 out of 5]

How lovely to read a book that gives you belly laughs. This fictional account of Danny Dorsey’s life after the death of his parents could have been a sad read, however the author has a talent for seeing the brighter side of what could otherwise best be described as an ordinary tale of a lad living with his Grandparents and their brood. Instead it is an account of how something as simple as sticking to routine and caring for one’s own makes the difference to how life turns out despite the cards dealt. Danny is an inquisitive and questioning boy who has a talent for sticking his nose into adult business. His fine tuned sensitive nature misses nothing and his extended family’s life is all the better for including him in their life.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely book written from the view of a man looking back at his childhood in the 50's. He lost his parents at an early age and the story follows him as he and his remaining family adjust to a new life. The story was well paced and kept my interest until the end.

[Delaney Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad this book has sat on my shelf for years unread. There isn’t much drama to the story, it doesn’t have twists and turns, and it’s never that surprising; that being said, it is one of the most honest books about family I have read.

It’s a story of people trying their best, failing, and trying again. For me, it’s nostalgic.
it felt like a glimpse of what my life would have been like if I were born one generation earlier in my dad’s family.

At its worst, it’s slight, but at its best it’s a vision of how remarkably we look on the ones we love.

[Jon Ziomek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember the 1950s, which is the chronological setting for the book. And I know the north side of Chicago, the location for the book. Plus, the main character and I are the same age. The writer conveys well the perspective of a little boy. Occasionally there are words and concepts that seem too advanced, but that's a minor complaint. All in all, an enjoyable and interesting read. (If Goodreads had a half-star rating system, I'd have said 3 ½.)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Charming book recommended by a book club friend is the story of a Southside Irish boy orphaned at an early age and raised by his grandparents, aunts and uncles. The climax of the story, a fourth of July baseball game that pits two Southside neighborhoods against each other, is hysterically funny.

[Amy Quimby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open this book (or press play) and fall in love with the Flynn’s. You will recognize someone from your own family for sure. I am positive that it is a great book to read, but I would highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator is invested in bringing the characters and dialogue to life. Just what my heart needed.

[Maureen Neylon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story of a young boy’s childhood in 1050s Chicago after losing both parents but held tightly within a raucous Irish-American family. Combining laugh out loud stories and poignant feelings of a little boy. The Irish are great storytellers and this book is the epitome of storytelling. Loved it.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took this along on vacation. It was decently written and entertaining enough, but wasn't so great that I had to bring it home with me. Swapped it for another on the lending shelf at the place we were staying.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hate to say it, but it reads like a boring autobiography instead of a novel of fiction. I love Raleigh’s book “Blue Moon Circus”. Absolutely loved it. So, I figured I’d give one his other books a try. Unfortunately, this one falls flat. Not terrible, but just too boring.

[M. Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book tremendously. Laughed out loud at times. Felt a bit let down by the way the book ended. The author left me with many questions about the main character. I guess that may have been the point.

[Foxeroo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read a while ago now but it was an enjoyable read and not too demanding.

[Effie Moutafis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written., a heartfelt story of young boy growing up in 1950's Chicago.

[Mary Libbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved the way

Raleigh wrote. Reminded me of my Irish side of the family.

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I don’t remember much about it.

[Ann Hermen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Loved the characters. Loved the setting. Loved the story. Did I mention that I loved this book?

[Mariston · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok book

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true treasure.

[Roxane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful story.

[Gillian Winwood-smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writer is very talented and some of the scenes are very funny but this book just seems like a random selection of anecdotes lacking in any real overarching storyline or unfolding plot.

[Mikelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story. Not sure why this book isn't more available.

[Joanne Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't even finish it.

[Anne Methven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took forever to get into, but stuck with it and it does get more interesting but definitely not my favorite.

[Overbooked ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a favorite of mine. It’s a tribute to family. It’s funny. It’s honest. Having grown up in Chicago it’s personally nostalgic too.

[Vikalp Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read.