trying to compile a list of books I shouldn't miss. any suggestions? I love Oscar Wilde, if this is any help...

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Anything by Maeve Binchey.

"How the Irish Saved Civilization" -- very enlightening.

I love Flann O'Brien, particularly The Third Policeman. Very absurdist in nature. Joyce, of course--Dubliners, Ulysses. Beckett's Malloy.

Pleasing to note someone has mentioned Flann O'Brien. His "The Poor Mouth" is a most entertaining read.

"The Big House of Inver" by Somerville and Ross.

I like Roddy Doyle... particularly "A Star Called Henry" for a good historical perspective.

"Lamb" and "Cal" by Bernard Mclaverty. Anything by William Trevor. Roddy Doyle's books. Sheridan, Swift. Not to mention Joyce, Shaw, Colfer et al (In no particular order)

McLaverty, Cal

William Trevor is brilliant. Also Edna O'Brien.

IN no particular order,
Joyce
Roddy Doyle
Nuala O'Faolain

McCarthy's Bar - Pete McCarthy
'Round Ireland with a Fridge - Tony Hawks.

Amusing reads.

Bill

For sheer "magic" of Ireland, I highly recommend the Sevenwaters Trilogy by Juliet Marillier. The first book is "Daughter of the Forest".

Hi Flygirl,

The attached thread on a similar subject might give you some more inspiration. I'm glad to see some more votes for Flann O'Brien here.

(Note: This is the first time I've tried to "attach" an existing thread, so apologies if it doesn't work!)

Jim

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...amp;start=1300

"Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift

Trinity by Leon Uris.
Then the follow up, Redemption by Leon Uris. I love these books.

"I love Oscar Wilde, if this is any help..."

IMO, no writer has comes close to matching his wit and humor

George Bernard Shaw would be the closest match and he has left a wealth of material.

James Joyce has wit, but can be a little short on humor - start with "Dubliners, for context and then read "Portrait" and follow with the "Ulysses". You can then spend the rest of your life trying to read "Finnigan's Wake" . Read Nora's biography to truly understand the man.

Sean O'Casey is, IMO, the greatest unsung genius of the early 20th century - a dark, comic genius. His plays are well known, but he also wrote short stories and an autobigraphy that, I think, is out of print.

Brendan Behan continued the thread in the 60s and 70s. Start with his book of short stories - "Hold your hour and have another" before you read his plays.


John B. Keane, playwright and essayist from the 60s, 70s and 80s may not be well known outside of Ireland. His "Letters of .." series are funny/tragic but I am not sure how well they might travel through time and culture.

I'd also recommend early Edna O'Brien (A Frantic Heart and Country Girls),

For light comic relief, read "Ladies' Night at Finbar's Hotel".

Although the author of "How the Irish Saved Civilization" is Australian, I would definitely recommend it.

Regards ...Ger

Ger, I think it's "A Fanatic Heart."

Opps ...Marilyn, you are right. I think this may have been a Freudian slip on my part