Rating: 
Summary: Transparent
Review: In fact I found this book so transparent I could almost read it from cover to cover without opening it. Not a particular fan of any of Roddy Doyles books, but I got the book from a friend with the literary equivalent of 'Taste this, it's awful". As a Dubliner it's easy to be critical of local or incidental aspects of this story, but ignoring that my reaction on finishing it was, 'what's the point'. I got the impression of a collage of factual information from reference books joined together to create a not very convincing story. The use of real historical figures confused me, was it a tale or an historical commentary, or both. In fairness it came across as an interesting political commentary, ie. the so-called heroes of the era being not much different than our current batch of politicians, shuffling for power and walking over any socialist ideas that stem from republicanism. But the story doesn't justify it's own existence. Roddy Doyle could have written a better book if he indeed did lose the plot.
Rating: 
Summary: The best book I read in 1999
Review: Roddy Doyle's writing is engaging, effusive, enlightening, and a bunch of other E words - except English. The flavor and rhythm of Irish life is so vividly captured in all of his books that by the end, you're swearing by all the saints and Mary as you're on your way down the pub for a pint and chips.A Star Called Henry is Doyle's best yet - a young man, coming to age during hardship (is there any other -ship in Ireland?) with a sickly brother to care for, ends up finding himself in the midst of The Troubles in early 20th Century Ireland. You admire his spirit and carefree nature, but you worry for him also: he throws himself into conflict after conflict with utter abandon beacuse he alternately doesn't care or wants to continue living very dearly. While the quirky, photographic style of Doyle's Barrytown Trilogy (c'mon, you saw The Commitments) has given way to a darker style of narrative, Doyle treats his subjects - Henry, his mother, and the city of Dublin - with care, affection, and humor. An additional bonus is all the backstory about the formation of the IRA, Michael Collins, and the sewer system under Dublin. While A Star Called Henry is based on historical fact, it's still a novel centered around a young man who is alternately Henry Smart or Henry Not-So-Smart - the setting is incredibly well-researched, and will only whet your appetite for more accurate detail - which can be extensively satisfied by the excellent bibliography in the back of the book. Enjoy Henry Smart, fer chrissake, and look forward to the next one coming soon, ya eejit.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm not quite sure what Roddy wants to tell us
Review: The Historical Novel is in many ways a dangerous territory. No description of historic events/times/places are written without the advantage of hindsight and, therefore, without opinions of what went down. This is true for both scholarly works (which this is not, of course) and fiction. When you mix fiction with facts and real people, you also run the risk of falsifying history to your readers: for someone unfamiliar with the time it is difficult to say what is fact and what is fiction. There are few uprisings covered in so many myths as the Irish in the beginning of the last century. The winner writes the history books and some facts become forgotten. Was Michael Collins a good guy or just a ruthless hood? Was De Valera a cynic or the great father of a nation? Doyle adds to the myth by relating the Easter Rising and the following years through the eyes of young Henry, a boy born and raised in Dublin's slum who goes on to become a killer for the Irish Cause-and for himself. He kills and he trains other to kill. All in all, not a very sympathetic guy. But Doyle lets him tell his story unbiased. Since I cannot see through Doyle's motives, I have to keep my distance when reading this book: I cannot allow myself to be "sucked in" in the otherwise very skillfully drawn environment. This is not pure fiction: I am certain Doyle wants to make a point, but I cannot fathom what it is. Surely he wants to say something else than "people were very poor in Ireland and then there was a civil war". These nagging doubts kept me from enjoying the book, and that is not how it should be. Hence the "only" medium rating. I think the Barrytown trilogy (The Commitments, The Snapper, The Van) was better since I did not have to worry so much about the motives when reading them. Sure, they are commenting and reflecting on the modern Irish society but the author's point of view is easy to grasp and, indeed, to sympathise with. Review written on St Patrick's Day, 2001
Rating:
Summary: Moving
Review: This book was difficult for me to get into. Unlike the Barrytown Trilogy which sucked you in - this books seems to push you away. It is almost painful to read as you feel for Henry so much (I am not a sentimental person..). However, what sticks with me is the last line in the book. Made me terribly sad. Brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: Hooligans for the Republic
Review: Mr. Doyle has written some great ones - Booker Prize for Paddy Clarke Ha, Ha, Ha; Barrytown Triology before that - but this is his best. He has retained that uniquely Irish humor, underwhelmed with the world's pretensions, and taken on the grand sweep of the Irish Republican movement from the turn of the century. Born into the foul holes of the poorest of Dublin's poor, Henry is a rollicking hellian from birth. Irrepressible, hardshelled, opportunistic, he learns and lives fast, with allegiance to none - the son of an assassin, he fills his father's shoes. The prominent figures of early Republicanism and the 1916 Easter uprising - Michael Collins among them - appear throughout, but it is really the story of Ireland's long suffering common poor, their pride and spirit and love of life, their survival instincts, that shines through. I can't wait for the next installment on Henry - only 20 at the end of this tale, which is much longer than most old men's lives.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Doyle! Don't miss this one!
Review: Born into a poor Irish household, the son of a one-legged hit man, Henry Smart grows into a soldier, lover, and assassin for the early IRA. Roddy Doyle has returned in full force with what may be his most captivating novel to date. Doyle's story is equal parts action, love story, history, and mystery. Since this is Roddy Doyle there are plenty of laughs (believe me!) but what really drives this story are the moments both tender and brutal in Henry's experiences. The characters spring to life on the page, and the dialogue, distictly Irish and classic Doyle, will ring in your ears for days. One of the things that also makes this novel such a compelling read is the way Doyle unravels the puzzle one piece at a time, letting his story unfold before you. It is rare to find a novel so engaging on every level, and "A Star Called Henry" proves that Doyle is at the top of his game!
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant read
Review: I'd read Doyle's other books and loved this detour into historical fiction. I disagree with the criticism above that you have to have a deep understanding of modern Irish history. I have a passing understanding and it did not keep me from enjoying this book one bit. It's a ripping tale -- and I have to add that Miss O'Shea is a breath of fresh air as heroines go. We've got an older woman/younger man thing going, she's not content to make sandwiches for the revolution, she'd rather be hurling bombs, she's lusty as all get out. She's great! I'd read the book just for Miss O'Shea. A terrific book.
Rating: 
Summary: Angela's Ashes Without the Optimism
Review: Roddy Doyle has given us a well-crafted story of a young boy growing up in abject poverty in Ireland in the early years of the 20th century. The beginning reminded me a bit of Angela's Ashes--but then went on to take many dark turns. Instead of coming to America to become a teacher, as Frank McCourt did, Henry becomes an IRA assassin with no real loyalty to anyone, save the woman who taught him how to write his name. Henry is well written and entertaining, as are all Doyle's novels plus there is the added bonus of an Irish history lesson.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgetable
Review: The first of Roddy Doyle's books which I have read, and if his others are as well written and interesting, I am sure to add him to my list of favorite authors. Doyle's writing ability is impressive,as he is able to make the reader actually feel the physical pain endured by his characters. One does not need to have prior knowledge of Irish History to enjoy this piece of historical-fiction. Doyle adeptly gives the reader an insight into the Easter Rebellion, the beginings of the IRA, and the political strife that has existed in Ireland for centuries and continues to this day, without giving a lecture on the subject. Henry Smart, who represents many young Irishmen of this century is an unforgetable character - from his arrival into this world, to his parentless childhood living on the streets of Dublin with his brother Victor, to his involvement in the fight for Irish liberty, to his deception. Overall a very well written, interesting and unforgetable book. I look forward to reading more by Roddy Doyle.
Rating:
Summary: Uneven...
Review: This novel presuposes that the reader has some familiarity with the historical events it describes. I'm not sure to what extent a reader without previous knowledge of the Easter Uprising or the development of the IRA could appreciate this book. I was quite happily surprised by the fact that Doyle strips these events of their romanticized veneer, but disappointed by the disipation of the plot and the characters as the piece drew to a conclusion.I will, however, read the next part of the trilogy.
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