How well do you know your father? It's a question I asked myself many times as I read Malachi O'Doherty's book `Under His Roof' about his own father Barney. I wish I had the opportunity now to just sit and talk to my dad and take the time to ask him all the questions I should have asked many years ago before he died. To really get to know the man beneath the title Father. Not just my perception of him but to really get to know him.
In reading about Barney you will recognise aspects of your own father. Perhaps things you just didn't see clearly as you were growing up or couldn't be bothered acknowledging or trying to fully understand.
It's a warts and all book that gets beneath the skin of Barney and peels away the complex layers of a man who struggled to feed his large family.
A wonderful, enlightening book that I recommend everyone to read not just once. You will get more from it the second time you pick it up. If your own father is dead read Malachi's book and think about your own dad. If your father is still alive read Malachi's book and go and sit with your dad and talk to him. If you are a father yourself read Malachi's book and go and talk to your children.
A book that will make you laugh but also a book that is deeply moving. Read and enjoy it. I did.
