Paul Gleeson
Consul General of Ireland
Book: The Sisters Brothers
Author: Patrick DeWitt
“The Sisters Brothers” tells the story of two brothers traveling south to Sacramento from Oregon during the California Gold Rush to carry out a contract killing. It charts their adventures and the changing nature of their relationship along the way. Fast, funny and well-observed, it is a terrific read.
I also really enjoyed “Bullfighting”, a new collection of short stories by Irish writer Roddy Doyle. Since the release of “The Commitments” 25 years ago, Doyle has been one of Ireland’s finest and most prominent authors. This collection marks a return to themes of family and friendship, where his insight and humor are as sharp as ever.
I also continue to enjoy the Quirke crime fiction written by John Banville under the pseudonym of Benjamin Black. Books like “Christine Falls” and “The Silver Swan” are very atmospheric recollections of the Dublin of the 1950s and of the shadowy characters that walked its streets and made mischief in its darker corners.