Laura recommends Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry
Nice job, Kevin Barry! I am new to this author, and I had it on my list after the New York Times chose it as a best book of 2019. I have to be honest, I thought the cover evocative of a seaport, and that may have helped get it on my "to read" list. Just being honest--I am a cover art person. :) The writing was expressive and almost leans to a lyrical prose. The two aging criminals, drug smugglers for most of their lives, lie in wait--literally--for the daughter of Maurice to show for a supposed trip on the night boat from Algeciras Spain across the Straits to the town of Tangier. They love her dearly and she loves them, yet they have been mostly tragic figures in her life. This is a short book set in Ireland and Spain, which contains colorful characters, family mental health issues, fairy rings, and a string of bad luck. Two lifelong friends who are waiting and talking, telling stories and reassuring each other of past exploits. Tantamount to the story is their hope for reconciliation with Maurice's daughter Dilly.
Nice job, Kevin Barry! I am new to this author, and I had it on my list after the New York Times chose it as a best book of 2019. I have to be honest, I thought the cover evocative of a seaport, and that may have helped get it on my "to read" list. Just being honest--I am a cover art person. :) The writing was expressive and almost leans to a lyrical prose. The two aging criminals, drug smugglers for most of their lives, lie in wait--literally--for the daughter of Maurice to show for a supposed trip on the night boat from Algeciras Spain across the Straits to the town of Tangier. They love her dearly and she loves them, yet they have been mostly tragic figures in her life. This is a short book set in Ireland and Spain, which contains colorful characters, family mental health issues, fairy rings, and a string of bad luck. Two lifelong friends who are waiting and talking, telling stories and reassuring each other of past exploits. Tantamount to the story is their hope for reconciliation with Maurice's daughter Dilly.