Dublin Noir
Beautifully written. The language and the depth of interiority have the quality of literary fiction, while the plot is a solid mystery, and the ending is original, avoiding the clichés of the genre. Brilliant though it was, I was relieved to be done with it. My soul craved light and joy after immersion in so much unsavory gloom. This is a dark book, populated by masterfully drawn characters each with his or her special kind of unhappiness. I will need a long break from this author and his Dublin of drinkers and smokers and sinners, but he writes so well I still recommend the book, misery and all.
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