Customer Reviews

Agnes Browne Trilogy Boxed Set--The Mammy, The Chisellers, The Granny

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
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I read all the Agnes Browne novels and absolutely loved every one!! They are heartwarming, sad and extremely funny, especially if you come from an Irish background. Anjelica Hustom made the Mammy into a move and it was hysterical. The only little problem i noticed is that in one book Agnes' mother's name is Maria and in other it is Constance. I like to ask Mr. O'Carroll how that happened.

As another reviewer states it's better than Angela's Ashes; I have to agree. First off, it's fiction although one suspects highly that it is based at least in part on fact. The author skillfully takes us through approximately 20 years in the life of a poor but fascinatingly, clever family starting in the late 60's of Dublin's inner city. A newly widowed mother navigates the world of child-rearing as her oldest enters puberty (that alone lends itself to some great scenes. The character's are amusing and at times down right funny as they cope with poverty with the support of neighbors and friends, brothers and sisters. The book moves quickly and though I was expecting Frank McCourt's style (since the book publicity compares the two authors), I was at first disappointed. It was shortly into the second book that I really started to see Mr. O'Carroll's work for its own genius. He is a very talented writer. Like any good story, the characters have great moments and moments of sadness, Mr. O'Carroll weaves his story in such a way that one laughs at both. Though each book could stand alone as an enjoyable read, the author incorporates the story effectively so that they matters mentioned in the first book are resolved in the following two. At a time, where more and more publisher's see a financial gain by promoting series, I find that Mr. O'Carroll is one of the most effective in writing in the series format without requiring you to buy the next book in order to get closure.
As an added bonus, there are a few funny incidents in the Catholic schools that any child attending a Catholic institution of learning will laugh out loud in understanding.
I applaud him and I am will be reading anything else I can find by him.

This is a wondeful story about one Irish family living in Dublin. It starts with and follows the life of Agnes Browne. These particular stories start with Agnes becomming a widow and is on her own raising seven children. The author is a natural story teller. He follows the escapades of this wonderful family, it's ups and it's downs. Character developement and humor are the strongest feature of this trilogy. The author is a natural story teller and you will find your self laughing out loud throughout these books as well as shedding a few tears. I cannot recommend this series high enough.

I loved these books. Agnes Browne's life and family brought laughter and tears. It is a wonderful read. Wish there were more like this. Lucy Brown

these books are great! they are a quick read and you will find yourself laughing out loud. The best of the 3 is "the Mammy"~it's fun to get the Irish accent down. Get these books, give them as gifts, they are difinetly worth reading, even a second time!