Charming Billy

Rating:
Summary: REALism....
Review: "Charming Billy" is a tragedy and many people looking for a lift will not like it. In spite of the depressing content the book is well written. Although many persist in seeing external events as the cause of drinking to excess, the reality that alcoholism is a disease, and drinking to excess often causes external eventsto happen (loss of spouse, loss of job, loss of life). And, external events become an excuse for the drinker to go on drinking.

I know something about alcoholics having lived with a few of them. Alcoholics I know "in recovery" tell me they use any excuse to drink. This I think is the story of "Charming Billy."

When I read the book, I was especially sensitive to the writer's "take" on alcoholism. I do not think she uses Billy's rejection by the Irish nanny as an excuse for Billy's drinking. I think Billy already had a problem with alcohol when he met Eva. In fact, it's possible Eva may have recognized the symptoms and made her decision based on what she observed. Alcoholism is a scourge of the Irish (Angela's Ashes).

The book faithfully depicts the decline of an alcoholic who never finds recovery. His family members are left with the puzzle of what went wrong, how did he reach such a bad end. Blaming the ex-fiance is the easy way to deal with their own feelings of inadequacy, as well as feelings of guilt for an illness over which they have no control.

The author writes well and deserved her reward. The content of the book is difficult and not for those seeking a "good read" on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Rating:
Summary: Potentially Good
Review: "Charming Billy" is a book full of potential -- much like the basis for the central character of the novel. But it is my opinion that it's Alice McDermott's fault that the publication could not pick-up enough strength to keep this reader interested, much less become engrossed in the tragic circumstances of Billy's life (though I finished it nonetheless).

Yet there was a feeling throughout the long and difficult reading that the story could've taken-off; to find that truth that lies within many of us who want to understand certain tragedies. Unfortunately, I could not feel the power that some other readers did. I blame McDermott for the construction of the story: instead of being subtle and strong, it was weak and inconsistent.

At any rate, I don't recommend this book. Personally, I was interested in the novel because of the story's premise -- and I did read all of the Amazon.com reviews prior to purchase. I assumed that the mixed ratings for this prize-winning publication were actually due to the notion that great works often go misunderstood. Maybe, but this isn't a great work. Though it had potential to be ....

Rating:
Summary: I carry this book in my car
Review: When I looked up to see how this, one of my favorite books, was rated by customers of Amazon, I couldn't believe it only ranked three stars. Reading some of them was amusing though; it seemed people didn't realize that they had been touched. One reviewer talked about how "ordinary" the characters were, and he's correct. Though my family has Irish blood, we're American through and through, but I nonetheless 'saw' my own extended family in the book, much as Billy saw his family in the faces of the Irish. But the reading about them cast ordinary events in my life in a new light. Reminiscing became not a mere recitation of events, but a savoring of the humor and the passion in an historical, motivational, and loving context.

Alice McDermott in Charming Billy did this for me, and living without understanding the context of my life that I've achieved and continue to achieve since my reading of this perceptive book, would have been far less rich.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth the read!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Charming Billy. Even though it appears that it moves slowly and that the time line jumps all over the place, isn't this how it is at family gatherings? Especially at a time of funerals? A lot of sharing and reminising goes on amongst the family members and the conversation jumps all over the place. Alice McDermott did a marvelous job of capturing this on paper. I think that almost every family has a "Charming Billy," one who does not live the conventional, accepted, responsible life style, yet one who is loved by all. That's why his character is so endearing in the book.

Rating:
Summary: Somewhere in the middle
Review: I did not hate this book like many readers did. On the other hand, I do not understand those readers who rhapsodized over McDermott's style of writing. I remember a teacher told us once that if the reader is confused, it is the writer's fault. I thought her style more confusing than poetic. Still, I felt it was a good story and I found Billy to be charming and tragic...For all the confusing prose, Billy was worth it...

Rating:
Summary: Have you been with someone who drops names you don't know?
Review: Alice McDermott does write beautiful pros but leaves many of readers, especially the non-Irish, out of the party when she expects them to know all the characters and time frames. I thought rereading the book would make them clear but didn't help much. Of course, I didn't bond with James Joyce either.

Rating:
Summary: Character Study
Review: If you are interested in character-driven stories that unfold a little at a time, you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a plot-driven tale, look elsewhere. The language and the imagery in Charming Billy is superb. The patient reader will not only mourn the loss of Billy, but also the loss of the other characters after turning the last page.

Rating:
Summary: Sad to see all of these one-star ratings
Review: I think that the majority of these negative reviews come from readers who can't appreciate a novel from a truly artistic point of view. The characters (especially Billy, who had a very limited voice) were very well developed, and the plot was well thought out. Many negative reviews focused on the "lack of action." Does a novel need to be action packed to be good? If you think so, then stick to your MTV culture. CB is full of wonderful detail and exquisite storytelling. This novel deals with many issues that affect nearly all of us and should be read carefully. As far as those who criticize having to re-read passages, do you really want a book that doesn't make you stop to think once in a while? Definately worthwhile, and deserving of a second reading by those who felt it 'boring.'

Rating:
Summary: I would rather receive an F
Review: I was forced into this book by my english teacher in college.I must have been the worse book I started to read. I never finishedit and would rather get an F than read this horrific novel. Two thumbs down. I'm sorry that I don't have more thumbs.

Rating:
Summary: Could not finish it
Review: One star is pretty stingy, I know, but I just couldn't get through this book. Books without plots and action can be interesting if the characters are fun, eccentric or weird enough, but there was no one in this novel like that. Billy was not charming. Maybe it would have gotten better but I just couldn't stick it out. I'm starting to get very suspicious of books that have won awards. I've found that a lot of the Oprah Club picks are depressing. Maybe this is the new requisite for literary awards: Boring and depressing. If it's too much fun I guess it can't be that good.