I’m unsure how I discovered Irish author Neville Thompson’s books, so many years after the event
now, but I’m glad I did – even if I haven’t opened and read one for more than 4
or 5 years.
They are probably not crime fiction per se, more books about
people that commit low-level criminal acts during the day to day, ducking and diving,
bobbing and weaving. More a narrative about their lives and relationships. As
his defunct/inactive website/blog states…….
NEVILLE THOMPSON
NOVELIST, PLAYWRIGHT
AND CREATIVE WRITING FACILITATOR. NEVILLE'S NOVELS ARE EDGY AND FULL OF DARK
HUMOUR, THEY DEAL WITH THE HARSH REALITY OF WORKING CLASS DUBLIN.
Contemporary Dublin life interests me greatly. It’s the city
of my birth and where I still have some family and where I would be living my
life most likely if my parents had chosen a different path.
I've read and enjoyed the first of the two – Jackie Loves Johnser Ok?, back in the
pre-blogging days but in truth I’m fairly sure it will stand a re-read one day.
He’s written a couple more books that I have on the shelves –
Have Ye No Homes to go to? and Mama’s Boys. He hasn’t had anything new
out that I can see in the past 7 or 8 years, which is probably just as well as
I ought to read the 4 I have first.
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Thompson is also
a playwright and has written for television as well as part-time teaching in
prisons. This has led to the publication of a couple of books which he has edited.
I have the first - Streetwise, the
lifestories of Mountjoy prisoners (Dublin, Mainstream Publishing, 2004)
Jackie Loves Johnser Ok?
(1997)
Two Birds/One Stoned (1998)
The sassy and streetwise Jackie Clarke falls in love with
Johnser Kiely, a would-be criminal whose ambition is to become Dublin's number
1 crime boss.
This is the sequel to Jackie Loves Johnser Ok?
Roddy Doyle with knobs on.......apparently!
Roddy Doyle with knobs on.......apparently!
Sounds like an interesting take on life in Dublin, Col. And those titles are inventive and distinctive, which I think always helps. I'll be keen to know what you think of these.
ReplyDeleteMargot, I hope to get to at least one of them this year!
DeleteI have heard of Jackie Loves Johnser OK? - well it's quite a memorable title, but don't think I read it. Perhaps someone recommended it - perhaps you will when you read it....
ReplyDeleteSome snazzy threads on the front cover! I'm still analysing the type of cloth and trying to get some more detail for you.....
DeleteInteresting covers, Col. You'll have to tell us the story behind the dark glasses.
ReplyDeleteNo problem - when I get there!
DeleteSounds interesting but I don't think these will make it to my stacks/
ReplyDeleteNo problem Tracy. Different strokes for different folks.
Delete