The Mammy by Brendan O'Carroll
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Book Reviews of The Mammy
Book Review: Talk from the heart
Summary: 5 Stars
The characters of Agnes and Marion are quickly developed thru their dialog. Their side-splitting conversations are very earthy though never lurid. I was delightfullly suprised how the tender and touching scenes O'Carroll portrayed cut across class distinctions. This small book covered an amazing gamit of human characteristics: the close loving relationship between Agnes and Marion which I thought was the backbone of the book, how Agnes' family loved one another and looked after each others wants and needs with an almost idealistic lack of selfishness. Mark was more of a player later in the book when he was 14. His industry, motivation and openness serves well as a role model (notwithstanding his little acts of chicanery) and I would hope this aspect is brought out in Anjelica Houston's forthcoming movie. One would have to be a real grump not to howl at some of scenes such as when Agnes bludgeoned Sister Magdalene with a cucumer and at the same time one would have to be pretty hard-hearted not to have a lump in their throat when Agnes' beloved friend Marion dies in her arms. The fairy tale ending brought the story to an apt stopping point. This is a great story, very fluent, easy reading and charged with humaness. I look forward to Brendan O'Carroll's next two parts of the trilogy.Book Review: Talk from the heart
Summary: 5 Stars
The characters of Agnes and Marion are quickly developed thru their dialog. Their side-splitting conversations are very earthy though never lurid. I was delightfullly suprised how the tender and touching scenes O'Carroll portrayed cut across class distinctions. This small book covered an amazing gamit of human characteristics: the close loving relationship between Agnes and Marion which I thought was the backbone of the book, how Agnes' family loved one another and looked after each others wants and needs with an almost idealistic lack of selfishness. Mark was more of a player later in the book when he was 14. His industry, motivation and openness serves well as a role model (notwithstanding his little acts of chicanery) and I would hope this aspect is brought out in Anjelica Houston's forthcoming movie. One would have to be a real grump now to howl at some of scenes such as when Agnes bludgeoned Sister Magdalene with a cucumer and at the same time one would have to be pretty hard-hearted not to have a lump in their throat when Agnes' beloved friend Marion dies in her arms. The fairy tale ending brought the story to an apt stopping point. This is a great story, very fluent, easy reading and charged with humaness. I look forward to Brendan O'Carroll's next two parts of the trilogy.Book Review: How can you laugh at a widow with seven children?
Summary: 5 Stars
How can you laugh at a widow with seven children? When the widow is Agnes Browne, you can! Dublin is the home for Agnes Browne and her family. The cards have fallen and Agnes has so much going against her- her husband's recent death, being a single mother to her seven children, and working long hours selling produce in her stall on Moore Street. But when Agnes finds herself at the bottom of the barrel, she shows her never disputable strength. When Agnes' best friend, Marion, is faced with tragedy, Agnes is there right by her side.
Agnes takes on her daughter's teacher, when her mothering feathers have been ruffled. No one, not even Sister Magdalen will get away with mistreating one of her children! Agnes is a bit rough around the edges when she is the target for the attention and affection from the French owner of the local pizza parlor. Not surprisingly, Agnes manages to win his affection on her own terms.
Brendan O'Carroll has created characters I will not forget. Any mother who has survived her son going through puberty, must read this book. I laughed so hard I ached! I am looking forward to the next book in this series
Book Review: WOW!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit that I am an avid reader, but not so avid that I read books in one sitting. NOT TRUE with The Mammy. I just simply couldn't put it down. After the first few chapters, I took the phone off the hook, got a glass of iced tea, and didn't move from my couch until I turned the last page. What did I do afterwards? Got up and went to the bookstore and bought The Chisellers. I read it in one sitting as well. After that, I got on the computer, logged onto Amazon UK and ordered The Granny (since it hasn't been released here yet.) I got it today, and finished it today as well.Three of the best books I have ever read with one of the most memorable central characters ever.
Viva Agnes Browne!
And Bravo to Brendan O'Carroll for his amazing writing.
On a final note, thank you to Anjelica Huston. It was because of her movie, Agnes Browne, that I bought the book in the first place. So essentially, she is to thank for opening my eyes to three of the most amazing books I have ever come across!
THANK YOU!
Book Review: PLEASING STORY FROM A MASTER STORY TELLER
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit that I enjoyed ever page of this wonderful tale. Tha author is a natural story teller with a keen humor that produces a laugh or chuckle every other page or so. Set in Dublin during the 1960s, this is a story of a yougish widow with seven children. The story is about life, but the author is able to convey the humor found everwhere, even in the worse of times. His character developement is some of the best I've encountered recently. This book has been out for a number of years and has now hit the age (book wise) where it is considered fashionable for some to start taking cheap shots at it. This is a shame because even though the book has been out for over ten years now, it is timeless, it is well written and it is a very, very enjoyable read. I would strongly suggest the few bad reviews given here be completely ignored, read it for your self...you will see. Overall recommend this one highly.