The breezes - Softcover

Joseph O'Neill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0571172571 ISBN 13: 9780571172573

Publisher: Faber and Faber, 1995

Synopsis

An examination of a family subjected to misfortune of absurd but tragic proportions, and of the mechanisms for coping with that misfortune - blind optimism, cynicism, the pretence that things aren't happening and, ultimately, the desire to laugh. By the author of "This is the Life".

About this title

About the Author:

Joseph O'Neill is an Irish barrister living in New York. He is the author of two other novels, 'Netherland', which was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, and 'This is the Life', and a memoir, 'Blood-Dark Track'.

Review:

'What is the correct response to random tragedy? This dilemma is at the heart of Joseph O'Neill's fine second novel ! O'Neill's considerable achievement is to render all these disasters at once deeply affecting and extremely funny ! This is a novel about losers forced to become winners, and it works' Guardian 'Using wonderfully extravagant prose, both lyrical and earthy, O'Neill pulls off that rare thing - poignant farce' Observer 'Impressively, O'Neill handles tragedy and farce with equal aplomb ! the book ends with an optimism as irresistible as it is hard won' Independent on Sunday 'A hilarious chronicle of life's crappiness ! O'Neill captures our peculiar mannerisms and shifting moods with style and precision, and his depictions of the moments when hilarity drifts into hysteria are always brilliant' TLS

About this edition

• Publisher: Faber and Faber
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0571172571
• ISBN 13: 9780571172573
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 180