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Angela's Ashes [Paperback]

Frank McCourt
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (203 customer reviews)
RRP: £9.99
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Book Description

3 Oct 2005

Stunning reissue of the phenomenal worldwide bestseller: Frank McCourt's sad, funny, bittersweet memoir of growing up in New York in the 30s and in Ireland in the 40s.

It is a story of extreme hardship and suffering, in Brooklyn tenements and Limerick slums – too many children, too little money, his mother Angela barely coping as his father Malachy's drinking bouts constantly brings the family to the brink of disaster. It is a story of courage and survival against apparently overwhelming odds.

Written with the vitality and resonance of a work of fiction, and with a remarkable absence of sentimentality, ‘Angela’s Ashes’ is imbued on every page with Frank McCourt's distinctive humour and compassion. Out of terrible circumstances, he has created a glorious book in the tradition of Ireland's literary masters, which bears all the marks of a great classic.


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Angela's Ashes + 'Tis: A memoir + Angela's Ashes [DVD] [2000]
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Product details

  • Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Harper Perennial; New Ed edition (3 Oct 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0007205236
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007205233
  • Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 19.6 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (203 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 26,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Product Description

Amazon Review

"Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood," writes Frank McCourt in Angela's Ashes. "Worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood." Welcome, then, to the pinnacle of the miserable Irish Catholic childhood. Born in Brooklyn in 1930 to recent Irish immigrants Malachy and Angela McCourt, Frank grew up in Limerick after his parents returned to Ireland because of poor prospects in America. It turns out that prospects weren't so great back in the old country either--not with Malachy for a father. A chronically unemployed and nearly unemployable alcoholic, he appears to be the model on which many of our more insulting clichés about drunken Irish manhood are based. Mix in abject poverty, and frequent death and illness, and you have all the makings of a truly difficult early life. Fortunately, in McCourt's able hands it also has all the makings of a compelling memoir. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

‘’Angela's Ashes’ out Roddy Doyles Roddy Doyle. I was amazed by it.’ Margaret Forster, author of ‘Hidden Lives’

‘Once opened, this brilliant and seductive book will not let you rest until Frank emerges, more or less reared, at the close of boyhood.’ Thomas Keneally, author of ‘Schindler's List.’

‘Frank McCourt's lyrical Irish voice will draw comparison to Joyce. It's that seductive, that hilarious. In the annals of memoir, his name will be writ large.’ Mary Karr, author of ‘The Liar's Club’.

‘I was moved and dazzled by the sombre and lively beauty of this book; it is a story of survival and growth beyond all odds; a chronicle of surprising triumphs, written in language that is always itself triumphant.’ Mary Gordon, author of ‘The Shadow Man.’


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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars there aren't enough tissues in the world... 9 Jun 2005
Format:Paperback
this book is astounding ! it is the most emotional, funny, tragic and moving book that i have ever read, and remains to be my favorite book of all time. i read an awful lot, and as frequent readers all know, when you put a book down with in 5-10 mins, your mind is elsewhere on your own life again. But Angela's ashes refused to exit my mind. it was so desperatley sad, i will agree with another reviewer, that i feel i could not possibly moan about any little flaw in my life after readin ghits.
beautifully written
you MUST read this
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars told how it was................ 23 Sep 2007
By magic
Format:Paperback
a marvelous book, well worth reading....the true story of a poor irish family, a work shy drunken father, a struggling mother, not forgeting mean aunt aggie, or daft uncle pat, the author brought them all to life on every page, so clear was his discription that you almost knew them personaly....
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking 'unputdownable' 4 Jan 2007
Format:Hardcover
A quite breathtaking read, I couldn't put it down. Its hard to believe the harsh reality of life and poverty that gripped Ireland not that long ago. I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't fiction but a true account of McCourts early life. Well written with humour and surprisingly no bitterness. A must read for anyone who thinks their lot in life isn't so good.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable - a classic 27 July 2006
Format:Paperback
What more is there to say about Angela's Ashes?

When I bought the book I thought I must be just about the only person in the world not to have read it - and that's probably true. I had no idea what it was about or what to expect - I suppose I thought it was about some girl called Angela!

What I found instead was a truly moving, originally crafted and personal account of an extremely fascinating childhood in the face of extreme poverty and family troubles.

Frank McCourt is a young catholic boy growing up in Ireland during the second world war. His father is an alcoholic and the family are practically destitute, living in extremely grim conditions and surviving on charity handouts and the generosity of others.

Though Frank's father clearly loves his children he is unable to control his overpowering desire to drink away what little money the family has - literally leaving his wife and children on the verge of starvation awaiting his return at home.

The prose is written in a way which some might find difficult to read at first, but in fact this purposely `amateurish' style perfectly reflects the innocence of young Frank and serves to endear the reader even further to his plight. He is incredibly honest and allows the reader an insight into even the most personal and private aspects of his childhood.

Though the circumstances of the McCourt family life may sound incredibly depressing what emerges most strongly is the incredible positivity of young Frank to turn his life into something better. In the face of everything, he is able to find such joy when life so rarely turns in his favour and the sense of love and loyalty to his mother and brothers is truly touching.
... Read more ›
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent 11 April 2005
Format:Paperback
Having watched and enjoyed the movie the next step was to read the book and I was not disappointed. It was great, a thoroughly enjoyable read. I could not put it down. Very sad, very funny and very entertaining. Top marks Mr McCourt.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderfully Compelling Read 14 Oct 2004
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I read this book and throughly enjoyed it.

Frankie, born in America is brought back to Ireland at the age of four by his parents, Angela and Malachy. Frankie is the eldest of many siblings, some of whom sadly didn't make it past childhood.

Set in Limerick, Ireland, this book gives a compelling account of what is was like to live in poverty, though the eyes of an extremely bright, intelligent child. Frankie has to deal with berevement at an early age, the usual childhood troubles at school, along with worrying about if his father would bring home money to clothe and feed him and his family.

A heart rendering read that at times, is also quite humurous. I would recommend this to anyone.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Joint favourite with The Hobbit 1 Jun 2004
Format:Paperback
This book is wonderful. I didnt know anything about this book before i began reading it, I read it because it was on my dads shelf and it said 'pultizer prize winner' on the cover. I began it, believing it was a work of fiction. One day while reading it, i discovered it was a memoir and I could not believe that the story was true. It is a story of suffering, and I feel it exentuates the idea that if you suffer badly in your life, you have two choices; you become a good person or you become a bad person. You can let misfortune warp you or shape you.
People sometimes take things too much on face value. Having experienced terrible things does not make you a better person, you choose your way out of misfortune. You choose the better or worse of the evil. You choose the path which builds you up or tears you down.
This book shines as an example of good character. The hero is likeable, admirable, honest and challenging. Someone to respect and learn from. A wonderful book, written by a wonderful man.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A+ Mr McCourt! 8 Aug 2003
By Gem
Format:Paperback
I was amazed by this book when I first read it, then saw the film, but it is such a pleasure to be able to listen to Frank McCourt tell his story in the comfort of my own home. His work has been compared to that of James Joyce, which I studied as an English A-level, but I have to say that in my opinion it is far better! It is much more personal.This is a must-have! The book is both comical and heartbreaking.I would recomend this book to anyone with a passion for literature, it doesn't get much better than this!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Benchmark
My late wife (who was of Irish descent) and I bought this book about 10 years ago. When I had finished it I said to a friend that, if I was a professional writer myself, after... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. D. L. Wood
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
I read the book some years ago and brought this as I love listening to book so could not resist and I wasn't disappointed
Published 3 months ago by Mr Ollie
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book i have ever read in my life
I cant even begin to express my adoration for this book and Frank McCourt. Im in my early 20's and i have read this book 5 times already and i know somewhere along the line i will... Read more
Published 4 months ago by CiaraLou
5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing I can say could ever do it justice
Dreading finishing this book. Though his early years weren't the easiest he still manages to tell the story with such humour. Everyone should read this book!
Published 4 months ago by Emma H
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this
I read this book quite a few years ago & loved it, so I brought it for my mother in law for Christmas.
Published 5 months ago by Ms Tracey Donovan
5.0 out of 5 stars What a book!!
A boy growing up in the slums of Limmerick, Ireland, starving, freezing and surrounded by the people real families are made of. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Juliet's dagger
5.0 out of 5 stars page turner and youll turn back because you wont believe what youve...
i loved this book ive read it two or three times.the author tells the story in away that you can picture it all.its so well written. Read more
Published 5 months ago by ingrid
4.0 out of 5 stars Great autobiographical memoir
I really enjoyed reading this book - it was a pleasure to dip into and immerse myself in the little anecdotes that made up McCourt's childhood. Read more
Published 7 months ago by BlueHippo
5.0 out of 5 stars Angela's Ashes
Arrived on time and in good condition. Took this on holiday with me, as it was reconmended by a collegue. It is a very good book, which really makes you appreciate what you have. Read more
Published 8 months ago by flinx
5.0 out of 5 stars a beautiful read
a wonderful account of Irish poverty written with a detached humour which is makes lightens (but no way makes light of) the terrible social conditions of pre war Ireland.
Published 12 months ago by O'connor John Paul
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