In the Castle of the Flynns - Softcover

Raleigh, Michael

3.89

479 ratings by Goodreads

9781402281976: In the Castle of the Flynns

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1402281978 ISBN 13: 9781402281976

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark, 2012

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The year is 1954 and Daniel Dorsey learns at the age of eight the intimate meaning of death when his parents are killed in a car crash. Taken in by his colorful, at times mad, and always tender and caring extended family, Daniel learns that even the deepest sorrows and hurt can be healed.

Michael Raleigh's In the Castle of the Flynns is about a young boy growing up Irish in a vibrant 1950s Chicago neighborhood. Now grown and looking back on those years, Daniel recalls his bouts with grief and fear of abandonment as he learns to adjust to his new surroundings amidst his oddball family. It is a time of wakes and weddings, conflicts and romance.

Above all, it is a time when Daniel comes to understand both his own loss and the dark places in the lives of his loved ones.

In the Castle of the Flynns is a poignant, often hilarious story of hope, passions and unforgettable memories. It is a novel that will make grown men weep, women cry and cause both to break out in great guffaws of laughter.

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Review:

Set in 1950s Chicago, In the Castle of the Flynns chronicles the painful early years of young Daniel Dorsey. Following the tragic death of his parents, Daniel's loving grandparents, caring aunts and wild uncles do their utmost to ensure he receives the love and attention he craves. But despite becoming the centre of two remarkable Irish-American families, Daniel finds there is simply no replacing his beloved mother and father.

Things go from bad to worse when Daniel's behavioural problems attract the unwanted attention of schoolteacher Sister Polycarp, and Daniel's misery is compounded when he crosses paths with local bullies. But through trial and error and with more than a little help from friends and relatives, Daniel overcomes his obstacles.

The strength of this novel rests with author Michael Raleigh's skill in presenting Daniel's view of the world, his life and the lives of those around him. The moments when Daniel faces his loneliness and remorse are touchingly narrated and handled with great sensitivity, while his inquisitive nature and encounters with a perplexing adult world make for hilarious reading.

In the Castle of the Flynns is an uplifting testament to all that's good about human nature. The portrayal of Daniel himself is both inspired and inspiring while his extensive family provides an assortment of hugely entertaining characters. Tragic, comic and heart-warming by turns, this tale of love, loss and self-discovery will linger long in the memory. --David Thwaites

Review:

"Wonderful and hilarious writing...if you escape without shaking with mirth or silently weeping, then check into the nearest morgue, for it's dead you are."

"Fans of coming-of-age stories have a treat in store...Each family member is a slightly off-kilter character, which makes for a parade of improbably hilarious passages."

"An engrossing tale...filled with fine writing and compassion."

"Many tender characters lovingly depicted."

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