Sudden Times

Dermot Healy

The author is a West of Ireland poet who writes about people and places I know. This one, however, is set in London and is about an Irish labourer who becomes obsessed with a murder. The book puts you into the mind of man who doesn't understand what is going on. It moved me a great deal. I had to finish it and stayed up late to do so.
Seán 21/5/00

A very powerful and gripping read. Central character is a working-class Irishman in London who gets caught up with some very nasty types. His friend is murdered, in a particularly unpleasant way. Unusual style, very short sentences, lots of dialogue, and strange inner thoughts of the central character who has been sent a little mad by his experiences. Highly recommended.
Jean 23/7/00

Doreen couldn't get involved in this book: she found it dreary. The dial ogue was very difficult to follow. It was often someone talking to himself, and she couldn't understand what anyone was talking about. Doreen didn't finish this book.
Doreen 8/10/00

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.