“I did not know that his brother Malachy was a storyteller and out telling the story of his life like his brother. I will have to look him up and see what I can find. It will be very interesting to see what differences the two stories have and what take on life he has compared to Frank.”
“If you were moved by this book, try reading Martha Long's autobiographical series starting with "Ma, He Sold Me for a Few Cigarettes" and moving on to the other two. The first is the most powerful and covers the longest period of her life. The following two cover shorter periods and have you rooting for this very brave little girl who was really dealt a raw deal but she triumphs. I am eagerly awaiting the fourth book.This however is not available here in the US, you have to get it through Amazon which is where I got the second book. I picked up book one in London and book three in Dublin so if you are traveling anywhere near the UK and Ireland, go ahead and pick 'em up. ”
“If you didn't like the ending, you should read his next book, "Tis. " It helps to see how things with his mom work out. I didn't enjoy it as much as this one, but it does help to tie up some of the lose ends the reader is left wondering about.”
“The story is interesting and hilarious at times but he has a serious madonna/whore complex and that's the sad thing about it (apart from the poverty). It is pretty obvious to me.”
“(spoiler)I didn't like the ending. I mean I like that he finally got to america but then he hooks up with some whores (or maybe just free sluts) and I thought..I don't want to read any more. I felt sorry for Angela...but when he grows up with the idea that a women's only function in this society is to have children to work the land and feed the family I guess it doesn't occur to him to have any respect for a woman's mind.”
“Weatherly R, you are absolutely right. It's depressing and funny at the same time, which is why it works when the movie doesn't--the movie completely overlooks the humor and makes it just a sad life. Stick with it, Maria B!I actually have family members in Ireland who grew up this way...”
“I'm still on page 84... after a long crying jag, I didn't pick it back up yet.”
“Very well written and an enjoyable read. It's about a terribly hard way of life but I didn't think the author dwelled on so I didn't find it so depressing. It made me sit back and wonder at how people in such circumstances survive. I'm looking forward to reading his other books!”
