The Book Depository At Swim-two-birds by Flann O'Brien
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Price: £9.99
Brand: The Book Depository
Description: At Swim-two-birds : Paperback : Penguin Books Ltd : 9780141182681 : 0141182687 : 03 Dec 2008 : The undergraduate narrator lives with his uncle in Dublin, drinks too much with his friends and invents stories peopled with hilarious and unlikely characters, one of whom, creates a means by which women can give birth to full-grown people. The Book Depository At Swim-two-birds by Flann O'Brien - shop the best deal online on thebookbug.co.uk
Category: Books
Merchant: The Book Depository
Product ID: 9780141182681
MPN: 0141182687
GTIN: 9780141182681
Author: John Lawless
Rating: 5
Review: Brian Nolan is a legendary figure amongst Irish writers and this book is a once in a lifetime masterpiece. In essence it is a classic surrealistic novel, laced throughout with fable, myth and hidden meanings, farce, fantasy and satire. The effect on the reader is mesmerising as he uses layer after lyrical layer of the English language to evoke bouts of laughter while appreciating that beneath the surface is a serious critique of repressive Irish society of the late 1930’s. I believe that work is best approached by the reader primarily for the sheer enjoyment of the language. Additionally, though not necessary for the enjoyment, it can be approached studiously, ferreting out the richness of the references and allusions in much the same way as the reader might approach Joyce’s Ulysses. Whatever approach is taken, it is no coincidence that this work is included in the Guardian’s list of 100 best novels ever written. An innovative masterpiece which I’m sorry that I had not read until now. Read it with an open mind and once you get into its stride, be prepared to chuckle your way to the end, savouring each sentence along the way.
Author: D. Hewlett
Rating: 1
Review: Not funny, but tedious in the extreme. No insights, certainly rather surreal, but to what end? It was chosen for a book club, and for the first time ever I couldn't be bothered. I persevered for a time, loathed every wasted minute. And I normally like Irish authored novels. Pretentious, self-regarding as the main character. Cannot understand why some people think it's wonderful.