SIGNED EDITION OF A MEMOIR OF A HALF IRISH CHILDHOOD
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
The son of a German mother and an Irish father, Hugo Hamilton grew up in Dublin in the 1950s wearing "lederhosen and Aran sweaters, smelling of rough wool and new leather, Irish on top and German below." His family spoke both German and Irish, but English was strictly forbidden--even uttering a few words of the cursed language was enough to earn an often brutal punishment from their father, a staunch Irish nationalist. His father maintained that "your home is your language" and insisted that they be a model Irish family and an example for others to follow. Hamilton and his siblings were not even permitted to play with children who did not speak Irish exclusively--a particular problem in a country where English is the primary language. Ironically, he was taunted mercilessly for his German heritage and children jeered him with cries of "Eichmann" and "Heil Hitler." He was even put on "trial" once by a gang of kids who sentenced him death by snowball firing squad. This confusing quest to discover his identity and to gain an understanding of his family history is at the heart of The Speckled People, a profoundly touching and beautifully written memoir.
His parents' secrecy concerning their own pasts only exacerbated his frustration, forcing Hamilton to cling to fragments of information gleaned secretly from hidden photographs and buried family relics. Written from the perspective of a child, Hamilton captures his feelings of confusion, guilt, and fear convincingly and with much humor and insight. Full of poetic passages, sharp observations, and the kind of subtle epiphanies that are best expressed by a child, the book is a joy to read. "When you're small you know nothing and when you grow up there are things you don't want to know," he writes. This memoir is Hamilton's attempt to reconcile the two. --Shawn Carkonen
Hugo Hamilton was born and grew up in Dublin. He is the author of five highly acclaimed novels: 'Surrogate City', 'The Last Shot' and 'The Love Test' (Faber); 'Headbanger' and 'Sad Bastard' (Secker); and one collection of short stories. He has worked as a writer-in-residence at many leading universities, including most recently at Trinity College, Dublin. He has just returned to Ireland from a DAAD scholarship in Berlin.
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001714711
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.05. Seller Inventory # G0007148054I4N00
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Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 41428037-75
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Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP17710872
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Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3759768
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Seller: Kennys Bookstore, Olney, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. 2003. Hardcover. Very good copy in good dustwrappers. DW have light wear, lightly sunned spine. Inscription to previous owner on FFEP, remains very good. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # KCW0019693
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Seller: Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd., Galway, GY, Ireland
Condition: Very Good. 2003. Hardcover. Very good copy in good dustwrappers. DW have light wear, lightly sunned spine. Inscription to previous owner on FFEP, remains very good. . . . . Seller Inventory # KCW0019693
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Seller: Revival Book Studio, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. 8vo. 298 Page's. Personal inscription to half-title else a Very good copy in like-wise Very good dust-wrapper (minor shelf wear to extremities). Free from any mark's, book-plate's, no other inscription's, under-lining, etc. No sunning to any part of the book. (Not left in sunlight to fade). Seller Inventory # 001524
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Seller: Kloof Booksellers & Scientia Verlag, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Condition: very good. London ; New York : Fourth Estate, Editie: 1st ed., c2003. Hardcover. Dustjacket.298 p. ; 22 cm. Hugo Hamilton. Condition : very good copy. ISBN 9780007148059. Keywords : , Seller Inventory # 234519
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Seller: Hay Cinema Bookshop Limited, Hay on Wye, United Kingdom
1st edition. 8vo. Prelims. + 298pp. Original boards. Pictorial d/w. lettered in white, some minor wear to edges. ISBN 0007148054 US$10. Seller Inventory # 185774
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