Goodreads Ireland discussion

Can we nominate more than one? I really like the writing of Colm Toibin. I especially liked his book Brooklyn about a young Irish woman who emigrates to Brooklyn from Enniscorthy is the 50's. His writing is rather stark but powerful.

I love Colin Bateman, his books have me in stitches.

@ Laura

Just for fairness, I'm only allowing one nomination per member...however if you can convince another member to nominate a book...well there's nothing wrong with that. ;)

Sam wrote: "I love Colin Bateman, his books have me in stitches."

If you want a really funny book try Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks.

I defer to the good sense of the locals.

Round Ireland with a Fridgewas totally entertaining. The Craic: A Journey Through Ireland was also interesting. Some of my favorite writers include:

J.M. Synge
Colm Toibin
Niall Williams
Edna O'Brien
Yeats William B.

I dont really read mamy modern novels of any country - lately I've been finding myself re reading teh works of Kate O'brien. Is anyone interested?

Damask wrote: "I dont really read mamy modern novels of any country - lately I've been finding myself re reading teh works of Kate O'brien. Is anyone interested?"

Edna O'Brien...or Kate?

--Meanwhile, Roberta you wrote out a list similar to mine so thank you! Would add Roddy Doyle and Sebastian Barry; and for a light read there is always Maeve Binchy.

well I said KATE O'brien. I dont care for Edna OB at all....

J.S. wrote: "Damask wrote: "I dont really read mamy modern novels of any country - lately I've been finding myself re reading teh works of Kate O'brien. Is anyone interested?"

Edna O'Brien...or Kate?

Haven't read any Sebastian Barry so will add him to the list. I like Doyle quite a bit but can't get into Maeve Binchy...."

A Death in SummerI just finished A Death in Summer by Benjamin Black (John Banville.) I was intending to read something light and funny but I seem to be drawn to this darker material. And this is a dark crime mystery -beautifully written. When I read one of his books I always feel I should check into an AA meeting, join a smoking cessation group and grab an antidepressant. An important theme in this book is that there is the life we want to believe in but then real life is lurking around the corner. And Black's vision of life is not positive. It is gritty, sad and pretty scary.

Roberta wrote: "J.S. wrote: "Damask wrote: "I dont really read mamy modern novels of any country - lately I've been finding myself re reading teh works of Kate O'brien. Is anyone interested?"

Edna O'Brien...or..."

I think Maeve Binchy is for when you want something very, very light. Maybe a vacation read. I haven't read too many but I liked Circle of Friends.

Roberta wrote: "Round Ireland with a Fridgewas totally entertaining. The Craic: A Journey Through Ireland was also interesting. Some of my favorite writers include:

[author:J.M. Sy..."

I just got The Craic: A Journey Through Ireland| today. McCrum is really funny. It is a great way to learn or relearn some Irish history and enjoy it at the same time. I needed a light book.

James Joyce Ulysses
JP Donleavy The Destinies of Darcy Dancer, Gentleman
Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Travels
Flann O'Brien At Swim-Two-Birds
WB Yeats The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats
Oscar Wilde The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde
Samuel Beckett Waiting for Godot
Every one of these is a genius.

Laura wrote: "Roberta wrote: "Round Ireland with a Fridgewas totally entertaining. The Craic: A Journey Through Ireland was also interesting. Some of my favorite writers include:

[..."
I just finished The Craic and thoroughly enjoyed it. Way more than a travel log. However, I now realize that I should have spent way more time drinking and hanging out in pubs when I went to Ireland.

No list is complete with John McGahern. A powerful writer, if his words were enough to get him sacked from his teaching post.

Colin Bateman for me too. Funny, outrageous, touches of tragedy.