Some Experiences of an Irish R.M. [Paperback]

E. O. Somerville (Author), Martin Ross (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 18, 1998

“As the straight-man narrator, observer, and regular butt of hundreds of hilarious trials and mishaps, Major Yeates never ceases to be surprised, is usually not amused, and can’t stop himself from loving his Irish neighbors.”—500 Great Books by Women.

Editorial Reviews

Review

As the straightman narrator, observer, and regular butt of hundreds of hilarious trials and mishaps, Major Yeates never ceases to be surprised, is usually not amused, and can't stop himself from loving his Irish neighbors. -- 500 Great Books by Women

About the Author

Edith Somerville and Martin Ross were second cousins born to distant branches of a prominent Anglo-Irish Ascendancy family. They lived together at the Somerville home for most of their adult lives, traveling frequently to Europe and collaborating on numerous books and articles. Their most famous novel, The Real Charlotte, was published in 1894. After Ross’s death in 1915, Somerville continued to write and publish under both names, claiming that the partnership endured beyond the grave.

Edith Somerville and Martin Ross were second cousins born to distant branches of a prominent Anglo-Irish Ascendancy family. They lived together at the Somerville home for most of their adult lives, traveling frequently to Europe and collaborating on numerous books and articles. Their most famous novel, The Real Charlotte, was published in 1894. After Ross’s death in 1915, Somerville continued to write and publish under both names, claiming that the partnership endured beyond the grave.

Product Details

• Paperback: 70 pages
• Publisher: J.S. Sanders Books (November 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879941406
• ISBN-13: 978-1879941403
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,520,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious reading written with art & wit, July 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Some Experiences of an Irish R.M. (Paperback)

I first found out about "Some experiences of an Irish R.M." when I watched the whole series "The Irish R.M." on PBS a few years back. After the show ended I bought the book, and found that even though the t.v. series was wonderfully funny, the book was knock-down, drag-out HILARIOUS! Not a book to take to bed with you, while your spouse is attempting to sleep!

Each chapter is complete in every way, a perfect humorous short story and could stand alone by itself. So it makes the perfect daily read, as long as you can resist going on to the next chapter!

I have now read it 5 times and will be going on my 6th soon. I usually save the book for Fall reading.

I gave it to one of my friends, whose husband is a literature professor, and she loves it. HE, "who must be obeyed", hasn't read it, HATES it since it makes her laugh, and has almost shamed her into not rereading it, by calling it "vacuous". Well, that inspired me to give her another vacuous book right away!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely hilarious and endearing stories., March 25, 2004

By 

Sailoil - See all my reviews

This review is from: Some Experiences of an Irish R.M. (Paperback)

Somerville and Ross were a pair of ladies from the West Cork Gentry who lived in the pretty village of Castletownsend on the south coast of Ireland. They were ideally positioned to write this collection of stories which contrasts the positions of the Anglo-Irish Gentry with the Native Irish Commoners. The interactions are always exciting, frequently devious and guaranteed to give you a good laugh.

I challenge anyone to read only the first two free pages displayed on the Amazon site and keep a straight face. The stiff upper lip of the English Major serving as the local magistrate (judge) is a perfect counterfoil to the thieving, poaching, lying, brawling and drinking of the local populace, which is paraded before the judge in the course of his daily work.

A beautiful snapshot of life in the Ireland of the late 19th century, lovingly, honestly and humorously portrayed. A really good read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A cracking good read!, October 22, 2002

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Some Experiences of an Irish R.M. (Paperback)

When Major Sinclair Yeates leaves the British army, and opts to become a Resident Magistrate in late-Nineteenth century Ireland, he has no idea what adventures await him. As he plods on, trying to do his job, he finds himself outthought and outmaneuvered at every step.

These wonderful stories, first published in the 1920s, were the basis for the hit British Television show, The Irish R.M., staring Peter Bowles. For those of you familiar with that show, the stories contained here cover the first six episodes, plus some. I must say that they did a wonderful job of capturing the story!

For those who have not seen the show, have no fear. This book is charming and terribly witty, and makes a cracking good read. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Ireland, and to anyone who likes a good book!