- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Flamingo; (Reissue) edition (25 April 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0586091459
- ISBN-13: 978-0586091456
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.8 x 1.8 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 451,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Synopsis
When Brendan brings his mother over from Ireland to live with him in New York, his wife Jane redecorates the guest room in a Japanese style. Even Brendan feels that it is an incongruous setting for old Mrs Tierney but Jane sees it the other way around: Mrs Tierney is incongruous in the room.
From the Back Cover
Planning to devote time to writing his first novel, Brendan Tierney gives up his job, starts to live off his wife's earnings, and brings his aged mother to the USA from Ireland to act as their unpaid nanny. An ideal situation, it would seem; for self-centred and egotistical Brendan fails to see the tension building between his devout mother and her atheist daughter-in-law. In the sultry heat of the New York summer, tempers rise, and the family finds itself in the middle of a bitter feud which will have tragic consequences…
“Moore is one of the boldest and most inventive contemporary novelists.”
LITERARY REVIEW
'Moore writes simply and economically, but with a true generosity of vision.'
OBSERVER
“Compelling, fresh and intense…Moore's acute understanding of our basest instincts in the face of loneliness, lust and betrayal confirms his place as one of the finest living novelists.”
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
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1 review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
What price greatness?
19 Oct 2002
Format:Hardcover
This is undoubtedly my favorite Brian Moore novel and I have read almost all of his many many books. He is (was) such a fabulous writer, but there is something about this book that just goes beyond any of his others. And the strange thing is that "Limbo" it is not easy to obtain. Mine had to be purchased used. It was not a "bestseller" as is so often NOT synonymous with "best-written"! Do what you have to do to get your hands on An Answer From Limbo.
This is the story of Brendan Tierney, a 29 year old would-be-famous writer, presently employed at a banal magazine in New York City. He "knows" that there is a great novel inside of him, just waiting to get out. (Incidentally, I feel the same way about myself, maybe that's why I like this story so much). One day, an aquaintance of Brendan's achieves literary acclaim for a novel that he's written, and Brendan feels that his friend is unworthy of this success, especially as he compares this man's ability with his own. This spurs Brendan on to no limit of sacrificial endeavours to achieve his own literary goals. To free up his writing time, he ships his mother (from Ireland) into the spare bedroom to tend to the children, and his wife takes a job to support this changing bohemian lifestyle. It is not long before everyone around him begins to realize that nothing and no-one will stand in the way of his obsession, and Brendan has to consider what price he is willing to pay for his ruthlessness.
This is the story of Brendan Tierney, a 29 year old would-be-famous writer, presently employed at a banal magazine in New York City. He "knows" that there is a great novel inside of him, just waiting to get out. (Incidentally, I feel the same way about myself, maybe that's why I like this story so much). One day, an aquaintance of Brendan's achieves literary acclaim for a novel that he's written, and Brendan feels that his friend is unworthy of this success, especially as he compares this man's ability with his own. This spurs Brendan on to no limit of sacrificial endeavours to achieve his own literary goals. To free up his writing time, he ships his mother (from Ireland) into the spare bedroom to tend to the children, and his wife takes a job to support this changing bohemian lifestyle. It is not long before everyone around him begins to realize that nothing and no-one will stand in the way of his obsession, and Brendan has to consider what price he is willing to pay for his ruthlessness.
A poignant example of Brendan's complete deterioration is seen when, at his own mother's funeral, he can only contemplate how the scene would be felt by one of his fictional characters. He has become detached from himself... and another appropriate title for this book could be something like... "What Price Greatness?"
For all his sacrifice, does Brendan ever achieve greatness? Well, that is the most searing question! My reader-friends, this is an under-rated, under-read book that shows Brian Moore at his unparalleled greatness, and the writing and characterization is superb in every way.
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