The Commitments

The Commitments
by Roddy Doyle

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Book Summary Information

Author: Roddy Doyle
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1989-07-17
ISBN: 0679721746
Number of pages: 176
Publisher: Vintage

Book Reviews of The Commitments

Book Review: Roide, Sally, Roide
Summary: 4 Stars

Roddy Doyle was born in Dublin in 1958 and saw his first novel, "The Commitments" published in 1987. It was later adapted for the big screen, a version that saw Star Trek's Colm Meaney and a very young Andrea Corr among the cast. Doyle went on to win the Booker Prize in 1993 with "Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha".

"The Commitments" is set in north Dublin and follows Jimmy Rabbite's attempts to bring soul "back" to the city. The band that Jimmy puts together - The Commitments pf the book's title - needs a little work. However, despite the fact that most of the band are still young, the raw talent appears to be there. The group's one 'old-timer' is their trumpet player, Joey 'The Lips' Fagan. Joey not only has the talent, he also apparently has the pedigree : he hold jazz in low regard and has performed with - among others - Otis, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett and Booker T and the MGs. Joey, who insists on calling everyone Brother (or Sister, if it's a Commitmentette), plays a big part in holding the band togetherthrough many dark days. (These dark days are largely caused by Deco Cuffe, the band's vocalist - a singer with a big voice, but unfortunately with a bigger ego...).

"The Commitments" is a very enjoyable, short and easy read - even funnier if you've actually spent any time in Dublin. (Bloody Jackeens !). The language is occasionally a little ripe, and while a little familiarity with the Dublin dialect wouldn't be a bad thing, it's definitely recommended.

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Summary of The Commitments

This funky, rude, unpretentious first novel traces the short, funny, and furious career of a group of working-class Irish kids who form a band, The Commitments. Their mission: to bring soul to Dublin!

Doyle, Roddy Books

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