Stories that take a new slant on the immigrant experience, from the Booker Prize-winning author of Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
Roddy Doyle has earned a devoted following amongst those who appreciate his sly humor, acute ear for dialogue, and deeply human portraits of contemporary Ireland. The Deportees is Doyle's first-ever collection of short stories, and each tale describes the cultural collision-often funny and always poignant-between a native and someone new to the fast-changing country. From a nine-year- old African boy's first day at school to a man who's devised a test for "Irishness"to the return of The Commitments's Jimmy Rabbitte and the debut of his new multicultural band, Doyle offers his signature take on the immigrant experience in a volume reminiscent of his beloved early novels.
"The Deportees confirms Doyle's standing as a rare genius of socially conscious literary comedy. . . . His mastery of the ordinary Dubliners' speech informs all these stories and lends them an urgent credibility." --Los Angeles Times
"Doyle's short stories rest on the comical limitations--and emotional largess--of his Irish characters. . . . At the same time, they question what it means to be Irish when the face of Ireland has changed. In exploring the theme, Doyle makes sport of everyone." --San Francisco Chronicle
"One of the delights of Doyle's work is its fearlessness. . . . In book after book he throws himself into the voices and hearts of his characters. . . . All of these stories are about blended worlds and the problems inherent in that blending, no matter what wealth or luxury a place affords." --The New York Times Book Review
Stories that take a new slant on the immigrant experience, from the Booker Prize-winning author of Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
Roddy Doyle has earned a devoted following amongst those who appreciate his sly humor, acute ear for dialogue, and deeply human portraits of contemporary Ireland. The Deportees is Doyle's first-ever collection of short stories, and each tale describes the cultural collision-often funny and always poignant-between a native and someone new to the fast-changing country. From a nine-year- old African boy's first day at school to a man who's devised a test for "Irishness"to the return of The Commitments's Jimmy Rabbitte and the debut of his new multicultural band, Doyle offers his signature take on the immigrant experience in a volume reminiscent of his beloved early novels.
Praise
"The Deportees confirms Doyle's standing as a rare genius of socially conscious literary comedy. . . . His mastery of the ordinary Dubliners' speech informs all these stories and lends them an urgent credibility." --Los Angeles Times
"Doyle's short stories rest on the comical limitations--and emotional largess--of his Irish characters. . . . At the same time, they question what it means to be Irish when the face of Ireland has changed. In exploring the theme, Doyle makes sport of everyone." --San Francisco Chronicle
"One of the delights of Doyle's work is its fearlessness. . . . In book after book he throws himself into the voices and hearts of his characters. . . . All of these stories are about blended worlds and the problems inherent in that blending, no matter what wealth or luxury a place affords." --The New York Times Book Review
