He has so many different styles as a writer, Jon, and it's worth seeing which one appeals to you most. But Judith Hearne offers great psychological insights and has such a sense of place, I think.
Many thanks Matthew, and I will be so interested to hear what you think of Brian Moore. Fine if you don't like him! Sometimes when we fall in love with a writer when we are young it's hard to understand why others don't share our passions... I know he has his flaws.
I was given a copy of Judith Hearne by a friend and I’m sorry to say that I haven’t got round to it yet. It seems like the kind of book that could possibly turn you inside out, so I might save it to read on a sunny day. Thank you for this wonderful and detailed review
I know exactly what you mean, Rosalind. It's actually quite funny, in a rather bleak way - and good to see in the context of his later books. And the film is good too, though shame they took out the Belfast references! Thank you for your kind words, Rosalind.
Thank you for reminding me of one of our underappreciated writers. Judith Hearne is a masterpiece. But, his Emperor of Ice Cream and Blackrobe are not too shabby.
Ah, yes, a few to choose from Kevin. I was very taken with Cold Heaven at one point, but less impressed when I went back to it. But perhaps some have lasted better than others.
I won a copy of Judith Hearne in a contest ages ago but I've never gotten around to reading it. This essay makes me want to pick it up. Thank you for the reminder!
A good prize! It's not the cheeriest of books, but his writing is extraordinary - and he gets into the mind of his fictional character so well. Based on one of his unmarried aunts, I think, that he saw his well-off doctor father being kindly towards.
Thanks Sarah, there must be a Brian Moore fan club out there... your mother had good taste! I was glad to discover that NYT essay of his, and it made me want to go back to his first book. It's a rather bleak view of postwar Belfast, but thank goodness a lot has changed since then - & it's a shame Moore didn't live long enough to see how the Good Friday agreement in action.
Oh, glad you've read it, Rona - it was my first encounter with an unreliable narrator, and I was so amazed. All of his novels are quite different, I think, but I devoured them all.
Another introduction to a great writer; another visit to the bookstore. Thank you, Ann! What I love most about your posts is the way you weave your erudition into your writing so skillfully that it’s almost invisible within the sparkling prose. An excellent piece. Thank you for sharing it.
Many thanks, Mary, I am very touched by your kind words. Your bedside table is probably weighed down with books already, and there are 20 Brian Moore books to choose from... It's interesting I think that he could only write so well about Ireland and the Troubles, so-called, because he was away from it, like Joyce. I enjoyed revisiting this first novel, and thinking about the people who introduce us to a book, and how much Judith Hearne is about place.
Ann, my bookshelves are groaning, and you should see the floors. I’m so glad I have the Little Free Library. I restock it constantly, but have to get there before others show up laden with theirs. A neighborhood of readers is a mixed blessing.😊
It's such a good idea! I usually cart mine along to Oxfam/Amnesty. In a university town like this, their hearts must sink a little when they get yet another sackful of books... but I do buy books there too, of course!
I loved Judith Hearne when I read it decades ago - I’ve never forgotten it, it’s that kind of book. Thank you Ann for giving it this deserved attention.
I've never read Brian Moore, but now I feel like I should.
He has so many different styles as a writer, Jon, and it's worth seeing which one appeals to you most. But Judith Hearne offers great psychological insights and has such a sense of place, I think.
Ann - fantastic piece as always. Thanks for the introduction to an author I had not heard of. I will be checking out this work.
Many thanks Matthew, and I will be so interested to hear what you think of Brian Moore. Fine if you don't like him! Sometimes when we fall in love with a writer when we are young it's hard to understand why others don't share our passions... I know he has his flaws.
I was given a copy of Judith Hearne by a friend and I’m sorry to say that I haven’t got round to it yet. It seems like the kind of book that could possibly turn you inside out, so I might save it to read on a sunny day. Thank you for this wonderful and detailed review
I know exactly what you mean, Rosalind. It's actually quite funny, in a rather bleak way - and good to see in the context of his later books. And the film is good too, though shame they took out the Belfast references! Thank you for your kind words, Rosalind.
Ah, well I'm keen to read it precisely because of the Belfast references! I've just put my copy in my bag so I may well make a start on it soon.
Thank you for reminding me of one of our underappreciated writers. Judith Hearne is a masterpiece. But, his Emperor of Ice Cream and Blackrobe are not too shabby.
Ah, yes, a few to choose from Kevin. I was very taken with Cold Heaven at one point, but less impressed when I went back to it. But perhaps some have lasted better than others.
I won a copy of Judith Hearne in a contest ages ago but I've never gotten around to reading it. This essay makes me want to pick it up. Thank you for the reminder!
A good prize! It's not the cheeriest of books, but his writing is extraordinary - and he gets into the mind of his fictional character so well. Based on one of his unmarried aunts, I think, that he saw his well-off doctor father being kindly towards.
A wonderful essay. Thanks very much for recommending the novel.
Thank you Sarah! It was the first time I'd encountered a protagonist who was so unlikeable - and yet who deserved so much more.
I know that my mother was a great Moore fan, I can picture her with several of these titles. Now I'm going to add them to my list, thank you.
Thanks Sarah, there must be a Brian Moore fan club out there... your mother had good taste! I was glad to discover that NYT essay of his, and it made me want to go back to his first book. It's a rather bleak view of postwar Belfast, but thank goodness a lot has changed since then - & it's a shame Moore didn't live long enough to see how the Good Friday agreement in action.
I remember being powerfully moved by this book. Thank you for bringing it back to me.
Oh, glad you've read it, Rona - it was my first encounter with an unreliable narrator, and I was so amazed. All of his novels are quite different, I think, but I devoured them all.
Such an informative and enjoyable read. Thank you.
Thanks for reading & commenting, Maureen! Much appreciated.
Another introduction to a great writer; another visit to the bookstore. Thank you, Ann! What I love most about your posts is the way you weave your erudition into your writing so skillfully that it’s almost invisible within the sparkling prose. An excellent piece. Thank you for sharing it.
Many thanks, Mary, I am very touched by your kind words. Your bedside table is probably weighed down with books already, and there are 20 Brian Moore books to choose from... It's interesting I think that he could only write so well about Ireland and the Troubles, so-called, because he was away from it, like Joyce. I enjoyed revisiting this first novel, and thinking about the people who introduce us to a book, and how much Judith Hearne is about place.
Ann, my bookshelves are groaning, and you should see the floors. I’m so glad I have the Little Free Library. I restock it constantly, but have to get there before others show up laden with theirs. A neighborhood of readers is a mixed blessing.😊
It's such a good idea! I usually cart mine along to Oxfam/Amnesty. In a university town like this, their hearts must sink a little when they get yet another sackful of books... but I do buy books there too, of course!
Thank you for this introduction to Brian Moore; I’m three-quarters through ‘Judith Hearne’ and finding it compelling and true.
I must now read that Belfast novel. thanks Ann and Jon. yours truly, John. (a Canadian who has never read it)
I loved Judith Hearne when I read it decades ago - I’ve never forgotten it, it’s that kind of book. Thank you Ann for giving it this deserved attention.