Synopses & Reviews
Review
"The premise of 'Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha' (the title comes from a cruel rhyme Paddy's former friends taunt him with) is not to tell a story but to enter a world. And this world is brilliantly realized. Its precision lies not in editing and shaping, but in language and voice. Because immediacy replaces narrative drive, you read more slowly, you notice things and have fresh responses, just as Paddy does." Mary Flanagan, New York Times Book Review
Review
"Explores the simple, routine life with compassionate clarity, humor and perception....A remarkably candid account of childhood, with all its bedlam, cruelties, and joy....A breathtaking glimpse into the inner life of a boy forced to leave behind childish things. Thoroughly enchanting." San Francisco Chronicle
Review
"A beautifully written book....It may be one of the great modern Irish novels." Washington Post