The Life and Times of a Teaboy [Paperback]

Michael Collins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 23, 1994

Depicts the rise and fall of one family in Ireland, from the end of the war to the collapse of communism. Micks is 45 and lives with his mother in Limerick. Frustrated by her constant demands for tea, but to idle too leave, he describes his life. By the author of "The Meat Eaters".

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Collins was born in 1964 in Limerick, Ireland. He is the author of six novels, and two collections of short stories. His work has garnered numerous awards, including a Pushcart Award for Best American Short Stories, The Kerry Ingredients Irish Novel of the Year, along with being shortlisted for The Booker Prize and IMPAC Prize. Collins is also an extreme athlete and has won The Last Marathon in the Antarctic and set a record time in winning both The Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race and The Everest Challenge Marathon. He is currently training for The North Pole Marathon in 2006. www.michaelcollinsauthor.com --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Orion mass market paperback (June 23, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897580762
• ISBN-13: 978-1897580769
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,355,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lacklustre Characters, Great Prose Style, July 28, 2001

By 

"labibliophile" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life and Times of a Teaboy (Hardcover)

This book, which tells the story of a poor Irishman's descent into madness was very disappointing. While the writing itself was first-rate, the character development left much to be desired. The main character really doesn't change much over the course of the book, and, as such, we don't get to "see" his madness develop. In fact, he appears to be just as mad when the book begins as when it ends. Since The Life and Times of a Teaboy is definitely a character-driven novel, as opposed to a plot-driven one, this makes for a very glaring fault. I felt no emotional connection with the characters; their plight made me feel nothing more than ho-hum.

The story is told in a frame, something many readers may not realize until they reach the end of the book, a major disadvantage in my opinion, since those readers will be waiting for something to happen that simply never comes about.

It is the first-rate prose that really saves this book. Collins' writing is even throughout, smooth as silk and it always rings true. His descriptive powers are also quite excellent and I felt like I was "really there."

Despite the fact that I found this particular book "lukewarm," I want to emphasize that I won't give up reading Michael Collins. He's a very talented writer and his view of Ireland is both unique and fascinating. This simply wasn't my cup of tea.