Customer Reviews

The Talk of the Town

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This is Ardal O'Hanlon's debut novel. I say debut, because I hope that it is not the last that he writes. O'Hanlon's talents stretch far beyond the playing of Father Dougal Macguire in Channel 4's cult comedy, Father Ted. As befitting the novel of a comedian, this is a highly humorous read. However, this is black, cynical comedy of the highest order. Unlike Father Dougal, there's nothing dim or cute about this book, which plumbs the depths of darkest despair. It is the story of Patrick Scully, a young Irishman in early Eighties Dublin, and of his mounting rage at the incomprehensible world which springs up around him. The novel benefits a great deal from the structure that O'Hanlon has created. Part of the novel derives from the diary of Francesca, Scully's girlfriend, and provides a powerful insight into how Scully is seen by others. Here, Scully is truly from Mars, and Francesca from Venus, and their stormy relationship could fuel any number of Self-help books. I was particularly impressed by the portrayal of Francesca, whom O'Hanlon imbues with a real depth of character. There are a few moments of caricature, namely Scully's mother, but even she has a certain amount of truth. "The Talk of the Town" is one of the best reads I've had this year, and the novel certainly lives up to its name.

This is like "The Butcher Boy", only funnier. A great read, Ardal's comic talent shines through. Do yourself a favor and buy it.

As a newcomer to Ireland, I was particularly interested in the colloquiums. I was hooked from page 1 and found myself wanting to laugh out very loud at the conversations the diverse range of characters had. This was unfortunately difficult to do as often I would be reading it on the bus to work!

Ardal has given us a very important book here, it concerns how you feel when you leave school/college/university with all your aspirations and ambition. It begins as a comedic episode but soon twists into a dark story of the way a human being can react to trivial situations. It encompasses the problems of fitting in with your peers and of sustaining a relationship with all the inherent fears and jealousy that can muddle your view. I fully recommend this book to anyone, but particularly to the 16 - 21 age group as we could all have gone down this path of self destruction and heartache.

Here are the views expressed by the `Julie Gallagher Book Club', 4th September 98.

Sean - This book took me by surprise. The characters, locations & period were very convincing. I only hope he has another book inside him.

Julie - I thought I would not like it, but after the first few chapters, I was gripped! Ardal was brilliant writing from Francesca's point of view. I was convinced by his understanding of women. I'm still thinking about the story.

Clare - A very good book. For a first novel this is excellent. I doubt he will be able to follow it up because it seems like such a strong autobiography. It is a life that so many people are living, in small towns, with small-town mentalities.

Sandra - An interesting read. I enjoyed the addition of Francesca's diary to get a female perspective on Patrick's story. It struck me that Patrick was extremely unhappy with his lot in life. However, he did seem to have potential, but was not prepared to strive to achieve it. Finally, the overall book was quite tight, except the ending seemed to be a bit weak.

Fiona - Well written and easy to read. I could not take to the main character at all - not a pleasant chap at all! the end of the book came really suddenly.....

Vinny - A very tight limited plot. The two points of view were well conceived and very well written. A most enjoyable read.

Jane - An insight into Irish life, very good descriptions.

Irish comic O'Hanlon has written a largely unmemorable coming of age novel starring the entirely unsympathetic and creepy 18-year-old Patrick. He works as a security guard in Dublin and periodically takes the bus to his home hamlet on weekends, allowing the reader a glimpse into both city and small town life in early '80s Ireland. While certain set pieces and milieus are descriptively evoked, the overall story of the ethically confused boy and his relationship with college student Francesca doesn't really hold together. The novel is more effective when it breaks off into excerpts from Franceca's diary, detailing her side of their relationship. However, this too, is problematic, as you know that eventually Patrick will be reading it, and only bad things will result. All in all, it lacks the humor I had expected, and is very bleak. Elements of it are highly reminiscent of The Butcher Boy.