Toots Books, the alias of James Imbusch, is plagued by an irrepressible friend, Jack Droney. Droney wants the world to sing, so much so that he has written the word upsidedown on his naked backside in order that he can read it in the mirror with his head between his legs. Should he find himself so. When Droney begins to behave even more oddly than usual however, with the suggestion that he is going to fall very foul of the law, the members of a coffee circle that includes Toots determine to stage an old-fashioned variety concert by way of distraction. To bring him out of himself, to allow him to tell the world to sing. With a delightfully controlled comic plot and easy banter, Michael Curtin tricks the reader so that the novel's darker purpose almost escapes notice. With this book he fully justifies Roddy Doyle's long-standing support and his reputation as the quiet genius of Irish writing.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Sing! promises to deliver characters of bizarre charm and wisdom, and indeed it does. But it is a strange and depressing novel for which you at times need a very strong stomach. It features a great many complicated characters; Droney alone - a harmless and well-meaning man who only wants to teach the world to sing, often doing so at the Labour Exchange with a medley of 'Just One Cornetto' - remains constant throughout the book. Curtin is a master at casting a thick veil of humour across what is essentially a tragic tale as the aftermarth of the death of a child unfolds. But the stomach-churning humour becomes draining and takes the reader away from the story. Is this a deliberate ploy by Curtin as a way of incorporating the traits of the characters he has built? If so, he has succeeded. Sing! may not be for everybody but readers will debate as to whether this difficult and often disturbing read is actually a deeply touching and honestly written story of the weaknesses of the human psyche. (Kirkus UK)
About the Author
Michael Curtin is the author of THE COVER SHIVERING CLUB, THE LEAGUE AGAINST CHRISTMAS and THE PLASTIC TOMATO CUTTER. He lives in Limerick, Ireland, supports Munster, Manchester United, a local pub bookshop.
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