The Butcher Boy: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Never seen the movie. I review the book.
Review: I've never seen the movie, which is strange because I'm Irish. But i loved the book. It had elements of The Catcher in the Rye and the works of John Steinbeck. It also must have been a massive influence on Vernon God Little (DBC Pierre does live in Ireland). There seems to be a strain of this kind of literature in recent years, and while there are better books out there, it is such a strong strain of literature that there is no harm in reading all the books. I read this straight through, and some of it was hillarious. I think it could have had a better editor though.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book
Review: I read this book years ago and it remains amongst my top 5 of all time. When I was reading this, I felt like I was truly in the mind of an insane person. I love the way McCabe slowly unfolds the situations Francie is in so that you only see them for what they are after the deed is done, really giving you a feel for what Francie is going through himself, really making your realize he's absolutely insane without just out and saying it.

And the pig toll tax! I'm thinking of starting a pig toll tax on my own block.

Rating:
Summary: From Francie's mouth to your ears
Review: Every word of this book passes through Francie Brady's lips creating an interesting perspective on life, friendship, family, and cold war politics. The language is funny and matter of fact. Really, this book is about the dangers of neglecting a needy child but McCabe doesn't beat the message too strongly. By the end, the story becomes horrifying and sad - but leaves the reader with an unforgettable character.