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alisonburnis 's review for:
Troubles
by J.G. Farrell
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In the fictional Irish town of Kilnalough is a hotel far past its prime, the Majestic. It is here Major Brendan Archer comes after WWI, determined to sort out whether or not he’s engaged to Angela Spencer, daughter of the proprietor. Set during the Irish War of Independence and published in 1970 as the Troubles were kicking off, Troubles is a darkly comic novel about Protestants in Ireland, played out in a declining hotel with a cast of bizarre characters.
Troubles is absurd and also a very good extended metaphor. The Irish War of Independence is spoken about in dispatches and in passing; the action of the novel is the crumbling Majestic and the Major’s inability to extricate himself from such a rundown, miserable place. It’s full of the humdrum, regular life amidst a conflict, and the self-righteous indignation of the British, who think the Irish ought to be grateful for being fought for in the war. Lots of great commentary and genuinely absurd scenes.
Troubles is absurd and also a very good extended metaphor. The Irish War of Independence is spoken about in dispatches and in passing; the action of the novel is the crumbling Majestic and the Major’s inability to extricate himself from such a rundown, miserable place. It’s full of the humdrum, regular life amidst a conflict, and the self-righteous indignation of the British, who think the Irish ought to be grateful for being fought for in the war. Lots of great commentary and genuinely absurd scenes.