Scan barcode
A review by mariasmusings
A Galway Epiphany: A Jack Taylor Novel by Ken Bruen
3.0
Oh, Jack. Yet again you have left me feeling rather broken hearted.
Jack Taylor #16 is firmly set in 2019, as evidenced by references to specific political and sporting events throughout the book. The referencing of specific events to tie the book to a particular timeframe is a plot device only used by Bruen in recent books, whereas previously the books were not as specific in their timeframe.
And by adding in the political references, Bruen is also adding a sense of realism to the world of Taylor and linking in his viewpoints with those of Taylor's. I found myself frequently agreeing with the viewpoints of Taylor/Bruen (should I be worried that I agree with Jack? ;)) but in a book with a strong sense of noir, sometimes, the reader is seeking to avoid such a strong sense of reality and rather wants to enjoy their 'imaged reality'.
And indeed, it is this imaged reality that I have always loved in the Jack Taylor series. The stories are set in contemporary Galway and frequently name check, well known Galway people and places. It's always fun to read a new Taylor and see which local has popped up this time around and to recognise various locales but the references to Trump and Brexit bring an unpleasant realness to our tale.
Of course, this is just the background to the story - what is our eponymous upto on his 16th adventure? Well, Jack starts by being run over by a truck. In fairness, he has been shot, stabbed, beaten, poisoned (I think) so being run over was really only a matter of time. Now, apparently Jack was rescued by two children - the so called 'Miracle Children'. Galway's own version of the Children of Fatima etc. Jack eventually recovers and investigates the children only to discover that the is not the only person on their trail and he is soon battling against an arsonist and self-proclaimed nun.
Plenty of action but of course, there are several smaller plots involving Keefer, and some cases that Jack takes on.
Now, do not scroll any further unless you are ok with spoilers!!
Jack has always struggled with alcoholism and frequently drugs. It is ot uncommon for him to miss a day or two due to blackouts. However, this time around, Jack misses more than a few days and the consequences are devastating as Keefer and Coela both lose their lives when he fails to help Coela battle with Sara. There is a sense in Jack throughout the novel that he is giving up and his reaction to their deaths also reinforces this feeling. He seems content to wallow rather than to fight back. Perhaps, he truly has been on a down spiral since his daughter's death and no longer has a focus or drive to survive. Even his arch nemesis Malachy is no longer alive as a foil. The final scene leaves the reader unsure of whether or not Jack survives. Usually, I would be so disappointed at the thought of his death but this time around, I cannot help but feel that maybe Taylor has come to the end of his journey. Or at least, it is time for him to take a rest before returning.
Jack Taylor #16 is firmly set in 2019, as evidenced by references to specific political and sporting events throughout the book. The referencing of specific events to tie the book to a particular timeframe is a plot device only used by Bruen in recent books, whereas previously the books were not as specific in their timeframe.
And by adding in the political references, Bruen is also adding a sense of realism to the world of Taylor and linking in his viewpoints with those of Taylor's. I found myself frequently agreeing with the viewpoints of Taylor/Bruen (should I be worried that I agree with Jack? ;)) but in a book with a strong sense of noir, sometimes, the reader is seeking to avoid such a strong sense of reality and rather wants to enjoy their 'imaged reality'.
And indeed, it is this imaged reality that I have always loved in the Jack Taylor series. The stories are set in contemporary Galway and frequently name check, well known Galway people and places. It's always fun to read a new Taylor and see which local has popped up this time around and to recognise various locales but the references to Trump and Brexit bring an unpleasant realness to our tale.
Of course, this is just the background to the story - what is our eponymous upto on his 16th adventure? Well, Jack starts by being run over by a truck. In fairness, he has been shot, stabbed, beaten, poisoned (I think) so being run over was really only a matter of time. Now, apparently Jack was rescued by two children - the so called 'Miracle Children'. Galway's own version of the Children of Fatima etc. Jack eventually recovers and investigates the children only to discover that the is not the only person on their trail and he is soon battling against an arsonist and self-proclaimed nun.
Plenty of action but of course, there are several smaller plots involving Keefer, and some cases that Jack takes on.
Now, do not scroll any further unless you are ok with spoilers!!
Jack has always struggled with alcoholism and frequently drugs. It is ot uncommon for him to miss a day or two due to blackouts. However, this time around, Jack misses more than a few days and the consequences are devastating as Keefer and Coela both lose their lives when he fails to help Coela battle with Sara. There is a sense in Jack throughout the novel that he is giving up and his reaction to their deaths also reinforces this feeling. He seems content to wallow rather than to fight back. Perhaps, he truly has been on a down spiral since his daughter's death and no longer has a focus or drive to survive. Even his arch nemesis Malachy is no longer alive as a foil. The final scene leaves the reader unsure of whether or not Jack survives. Usually, I would be so disappointed at the thought of his death but this time around, I cannot help but feel that maybe Taylor has come to the end of his journey. Or at least, it is time for him to take a rest before returning.