- Paperback: 304 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; New edition edition (5 Feb 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007116837
- ISBN-13: 978-0007116836
- Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 11 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 514,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
An entertaining memoir of a rollicking life in New York of an Irish immigrant.
The title is derived from the young Malachy’s mishearing of the words ‘amongst women’ in Hail Mary.
Malachy McCourt, younger brother to Frank, had his childhood portrayed in the much loved best-selling book, Angela’s Ashes. Here he tells the story of his own hell-raising days when he left Ireland and went in search of fame, fortune and fun in New York.
The Exuberance of the Irish lifestyle in New York is matched with the scenes of rollercoaster emotional life, and a fair amount of alcohol.
A MONK SWIMMING, the story of a life lived uproariously, is light-hearted and immensely readable, outrageous and comic
From the Back Cover
Malachy McCourt, younger brother to Frank, had his childhood portrayed in the much loved best-selling book, 'Angela's Ashes'. Here he tells the story of his own hell-raising days when he left Ireland and went in search of fame, fortune and fun in New York.
'Truth is I knew I couldn't do anything but tell stories and lies'
And tell stories he does. In turn longshoreman, saloon keeper, raconteur and actor, most of the book takes place in an assortment of watering holes whose occupants drink and talk too much.
'A Monk Swimming,' the story of a life lived uproariously, is light-hearted and immensely readable, outrageous and comic.
"One grows to like Mr. McCourt for his honesty, sympathise with him for his struggle… and laugh and sweat with him when the authorities seem to be closing in… a funny, oddly winning book"
NEW YORK TIMES
"Away from the boisterous bonhomie of the bars, Malachy McCourt tells the truth about the important things"
THE HERALD
"A drunken exhilarating version of the American dream"
THE OBSERVER
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
at the very last two pages of this book malachy writes about a walk out with his father. his father takes him to a "fairy fountain " to drink the magic water.....then his father tells young malachy its time to go home (it was about evening) and he then tells the child that all God creatures have one thing in common...that they all give thanks to God and pray, then he tells young malachy to leave all the animals and birds to say their evening devotions to God....you will have to read it to know how touching and beautiful malachy made it sound, i can honestly say it was the most beautiful thing i have ever read, in fact it brought a lump to my throat just reading it....thank you malachy for sharing that tender moment from your childhood with the readers.....
Format:Paperback
Malachy McCourt tells his story in a much different tone of voice than his older brother. Like Frank, he raises a smile in his readers but it's a cheeky one. Not as easy to feel sorry for his sufferings, products of self inflicted drunken antics, yet this for me, lends his tale no less relevance in the chronicling of the McCourt family history.
Concentrating on his adult life, this is an interesting insight into the aftermath of a destructive childhood. Sadly for many the result of which, is a descent into alcoholism. Told with humor and not many traces of self-pity.
Most importantly it made me laugh out loud, which I always appreciate. Many years since I read it, but still have a lingering affection for this and his other work 'Singing My Him Song', also recommended.
Concentrating on his adult life, this is an interesting insight into the aftermath of a destructive childhood. Sadly for many the result of which, is a descent into alcoholism. Told with humor and not many traces of self-pity.
Most importantly it made me laugh out loud, which I always appreciate. Many years since I read it, but still have a lingering affection for this and his other work 'Singing My Him Song', also recommended.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"A Monk Swimming" is a hilarious book and a very good pick for people who have read "Angela's Ashes". Even if you haven't its a good book to see how an Irishman reacts upon his arrival to America.
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