The Narrowback [Import] [Paperback]

Michael S.: Ledwidge (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press; 1st UK printing edition (1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0751529605
• ISBN-13: 978-0751529609
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,519,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Gangbusters crime story with literary overtones. Fine debut., July 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Narrowback (Hardcover)

The plot here could best be described as "The Usual Suspects" meets "The Devil's Own" meets "Reservoir Dogs." Protagonist Tommy Farrell, a Bronx-born Irish American (a "narrowback") certainly has the luck of his ancestors--all bad! Failing his whole life, Farrell seems on the verge of breaking his losing streak when masterminding and executing a profitable heist. But he stumbles again and offs a member of his gang who unbeknownst is a full-fledged IRA black mask with terrorist plans for the loot. Throw into the mix an over-ambitious FBI agent, Albanian wiseguys, and some bullet-brained Belfast boyos--whose eyes aren't smilin'--all of whom are out for Farrell's hide. While on the surface a taut crime thriller, this also sports many motifs found in classic literature as Farrell descends into the underworld while seeking redemption and ! forgiveness for his sullied past. Though a little heavy-handed in spots, the author has an easy, fluid style; the plot moves quickly and the dialogue goes down as smooth as Jamesons. Overall, a gangbusters first novel reminiscent of Jim Thompson and David Goodis. Recommended.-Michael Rogers, "Library Journal

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great read. High action. Intense drama. Awesome detail., May 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Narrowback (Hardcover)

This bloke can write. I raced through Ledwidge's book in two days. The pages are filled with lively writing and great detail. I could smell the Bronx, feel the Manhattan streets and taste the Guiness coming from the pages. A great read. I can't wait for the movie.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You won't want to put it down!!, March 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Narrowback (Hardcover)

Elmore Leanord pack it in! The Narrowback is awesome. State of Grace meets Reservoir Dogs. Farrell the armed robber protagonist is on a quest for quick large cash. It gets royally bungled and he soon finds himself running from the IRA and the Albanian mafia. Toss in an ex-IRA sniper and an over ambitious FBI agent and you got a recipe for a bloody good read. Realistic, evocative, and violent crime fiction. If you liked Jim Thompson or Tom Kakonis or "The Westies" you'll love this book. Finally, a new writer who knows how to get it right.