Rating: 
Summary: Pure escapism
Review: This novel was a joy to read. The protagonist and her seven children were likable, the descriptions of Dublin in the 60's were vivid and I especially enjoyed it when Agnes whacked her daughter's schoolteacher, Sister Magdalene, in the face with a cucumber for cutting her daughter's "fringe" (bangs) off. Even better, the judge who hears the assault charges takes Agnes's side, presumably because he could relate to Cathy's dilemma with the nuns.While I enjoyed the story for what it was, I couldn't help but think of another Irish writer, Roddy Doyle. "The Mammy" had likable enough characters, but they lacked the depth of the characters created by Roddy Doyle. O'Carroll created so many children in the Browne family, but the only ones the reader really got to know were Mark and Cathy. Perhaps if the novel had been a bit longer, we could have followed some of their escapades as well. All in all, though, the story is a good one. Agnes is tough, loveable, and humorously naive in the ways of the world. She does just fine on her own after her no-good husband, Redser, gets hit my a delivery truck. I will definitely pick up the Chisellers and the Granny to follow the Browne family as they grow up.
Rating: 
Summary: Gritty but Charming!
Review: Bravo Brendan O'Carroll! This poignant trilogy captures the bubbly spirit of a Dublin family living in the 60's. Each book, the mammy, the granny, and the chisselers is a sequence of stages in Anges' and her seven childrens' lives. Anges' humor and goodwill will keep you laughing, even through the most serious of scenes. In fact, the first part of the book seems like it should be sad and disturbing. Agnes has just arrived because her husband has died and she wants to recieve her widow's payment. But Angnes' sarcastic wit makes it one of the most hilarious times in the book.
These 3 books are fast reads. You do not want to put them down! I suspect anyone who picks up one of Brendan O'Carroll's book will be able to read each one in a day! And when it is done you'll be wishing for more.
Rating:
Summary: The Mammy, Agnes Browne,& Chizlers
Review: I have never laughed so hard, all the books written by Brendan O'Carroll, are wonderful, starting with Agnes Brown,then The Chizlers and ending with the Mammie. I only wish he would write more. He tells the stories with ease and humor. A must read for all.
Rating: 
Summary: I BLOODY "didn't get it!
Review: Reading this short book reminded me so much of the popular best selling book-turned-movie "Angelas Ashes" which I hated. Author Brendan Carroll's work is part of a trilogy and this one "The Mammy" is his first. The other two are "The Chisllers" and "The Granny." According to the info in the book, it is supposed to be turned to a movie with Angelica Huston as its director. Author Carroll is from North Dublin, an acclaimed playwright and Ireland's most popular stand-up-comedian, he is an actor and appeared in the movie version of "Angelas Ashes." Set in Dublin in the mid-sixties, its about a feisty spunky lady widowed with seven versatile children. Her husband, Redser, an alcoholic wife-abuser has died. We follow Mammy (Agnes) and best friend Marion as they share a stall on Moore Street selling vegetables and fruits. They share bonding, wit, fun and heartache. They also live in a tenement called the Jarro, home to the dealers, dockers, draymen (drivers of the carts) and on those government funds. Her children are a versatile bunch with the oldest 14. There seems to be some stories about each, but not much. The usual bathroom humor is dished out heavily, stories of sadistic nuns at school, confirmation etc. Then, Mammy soon discovers her best friend Marion has cancer and the story continues to unfold as the two women endure their friendship to the end. There isn't much of a storyline or plot. Put some sex, bathroom humor, profanity and looney people and you got a book. If you like this type of material to read, you may enjoy this book. I could recommend this book, I am sure it can be enjoyed by many people. If you liked Angela's Ashes, you will like this. I don't find this Irish humor entertaining, nor is gross bathroom or sexual humor Maybe some people will find it humorous, but not me. It didn't move me. The book is written in dialogue form......MzRizz
Rating:
Summary: You might as well buy the next two books also
Review: because you'll love this one so much you won't be able to wait to see what happens in the next two books. My cousin told me I MUST read this book so I did. Now, I pass it among my friends and they have all enjoyed it also. So buy this book, you won't be disappointed, and then pass it on to your friends with a sense of humor.
Rating:
Summary: Laugh, Cry, Repeat as neccessary.
Review: You either love this kind of story or you don't. I may as well admit up front to being part Irish - and that I loved this book. Who but an Irishman could start a story with the mother of seven children registering to get widow's benefits when her husband has very recently died - as in that afternoon. At that point you either stop reading or you can't wait to see what happens next (as I couldn't wait.) In the end I have to to say this book was way too short - which is one of the best compliments I can give an author.
Rating:
Summary: Funny and heartwarming
Review: Brendan O'Carroll set the tone of the book early on when he showed newly-widowed Agnes Browne on the day of her husband's death. Instead of what would normally be portrayed as a sad event, this particular scene was one of the funniest in the book. And there were a lot. I cannot kepp track of the number of times when I just had to stop reading for a while and just laugh out loud at a particular comment that one of the characters (usually Agnes) made. This book has its share of hilarious as well as touching moments. Enjoyable!
Rating:
Summary: No pity party here!
Review: The Mammy is simply delightful! Agnes Browne is a woman that we could all learn from. As you read The Mammy, you can invision how poor the Browne family was, but it was as if they didn't know it. They are a family as full of laughter as they are determination and strength. A woman, left widowed with 7 children, is rarely a character that would bring you to laugh aloud when reading in public. What is even more striking is the author (a male)could have so much insight as to how women think. Agnes Browne is a heroine. She taught her children love. She taught her children pride. She taught her children that no matter what they are a family and that NOTHING could come between Agnes Browne and her children. I couldn't wait to get The Chisellers and The Granny! Equally as good as the first book!
Rating:
Summary: The Best from Brendan O'Carroll
Review: I have just finished reading,...Three Books.. "The Chisellers,"/"The Mammy,"/and "The Granny"
all by author.."Brendan O'Carroll... I enjoyed these books, very very much!
They take you through the day to day life,of a very strong willed Irish Mother!, named "Agnes Browne" She lives for her children, and nothing is too much effort for her family..
She is a hard working woman and self employed, selling Produce, from a local"Open Market Stand!" The stories take us through her friendships, and relationships
and the lives of her children, as they grow up
and they become adults.. And she,"Agnes Browne" becomes a Granny!.. I recommend that you buy all three books, as they are all less than three hundred pages each... You will not be disappointed!...
Rating:
Summary: Thank you Brendan O'Carroll!
Review: Delightful beginning for his funny, bawdy, heart warming series containing three books. Donada Peters brings the robust characters to life. After reading or listening to The Mammy, you'll agree that The Chisllers and The Grammy are a must read too. Each book stands alone. If you want three time the laughs, get all three!
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