“Do you think, Sir, that Ireland should have joined the war against Germany?”“I mean, Sir, that the married women in Ireland, like me Ma, and lots of other fellas’ mothers have loads of babies and are always having to go into hospital to have them or have to feed them and wash them. The mothers have stacks of work to do all the time and they’re always carrying babies around in their bellies or in their arms.”Patsy Fagan, growing up in Dublin in the 1950s, asks awkward questions of his schoolteacher, Mr Bambrick.A reflective memoir that touches on the impact of history, war, death of a young sister, religion, and schooling on the lives of the characters.Patsy, falling in love as a teenager, facing the uncertainty of having to leave Dublin to live in England. This tender, amusing, sharp and gloriously sparkling work will appeal to a wide audience who enjoy engaging with the full range of human emotions.Striking, thoughtful, funny; guaranteed to keep you reading – a book to relish.
Robert Thornton was born in Dublin in 1944 and grew up and went to school there until the age of 15. He moved to Kent, England, in 1959, where he continued his education part-time between different career choices, including engineering apprenticeship, washing machine salesman, debt collector, military (three years) and eventually, schoolteacher and headmaster. He lives in Somerset with his wife, Veronica.
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8 reviews
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A beautiful story, everyone should read it. Bee Mundy xx
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Arrived yesterday and read in day, because I simply couldn’t put it down!! Gorgeous book!!!
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What a wonderful, entertaining, hilarious and moving read. Go and enjoy it.
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This story of 1950s Dublin as viewed through the eyes of a teenager is simply wonderful. Weaving a stylistic blend of Roddy Doyle and Fintan O’Toole , the writer Bobby Thornton has produced a gem. I sincerely hope there will be a sequel. Bravo to the author !!
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Memorable book a nostalgic trip down memory lane it’s wonderful Robert thornton you nailed it! Dublin in the fifties amazing its insightful things just rise to the surface felt at times I was back in Dublin with the lingo. The sayings use of language I laughed a lot and could relate to the times
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I found this book extremely funny and as I come from an Irish family a lot of incidents in this book were very familiar to me it was like home from home thoroughly enjoyable from start to fin I will read this all over again as it made me laugh so much well done from Diesy
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I read this book in one session, couldn’t put it down. I was living in this family in Dublin in the 1950s despite being bought up in the UK. I laughed and then I was sad. I just thoroughly enjoyed it the saddest point was when I finished it. Maybe I should have read it over a few days/weeks to extend the enjoyment. Definitely a winner
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Born in Dublin in the late 1940s, I really could associate myself with this story of a young boy growing up in the 1950s Dublin. Always asking questions.
Da what goes on at the Hell Fire Club?
Da is Ma having another baby?
Da do Nuns have Issues?
Patsy Fagan wants answers. A story without a Gizmo in sight just endless curiosity, wild imagination and freedom to explore as a growing child
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