Howie the Rookie (Nick Hern Books)

Rating:
Summary: No Scabbies
Review: In Howie the Rookie, Mark O'Rowe proves himself a leading playwright. The story is original, tense, and told in a most compelling way. It is unmistakenly Irish but exposing the seedy side of Dublin in a way that a tourist could never imagine existed. The writing is fresh and driving. O'Rowe often uses Irish street slang that would be best served with a glossary (as is done in Irvine Welsh's magnificent Trainspotting).

The story is told in two separate monologues, one by Howie Lee and the other by the unrelated rival Rookie Lee. Vengence is sought for the spread of "scabbies" as well as compensation for the destruction of prized fighting fish. You travel the streets of the hellish Dublin culminating in a tragedy of various proportions. (I do not wish to give too much away.)

This play won numerous awards for good reason. It is playwrighting at its very best. Buy this book and then compel a local company to perform this outstanding play.