Frank McCourt's stunning memoir of his childhood in Ireland and America; a recollection of unvarnished truth and no self pity, of grinding poverty and indomitable spirit that will live in the memory, and read by the author. "When I look back on my childhood, I wonder how I survived at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood. ...
Read More
Frank McCourt's stunning memoir of his childhood in Ireland and America; a recollection of unvarnished truth and no self pity, of grinding poverty and indomitable spirit that will live in the memory, and read by the author. "When I look back on my childhood, I wonder how I survived at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood. People everywhere brag or whimper about the woes of their early years, but nothing can compare with the Irish version: the poverty; the shiftless loquacious father; the pious defeated mother moaning by the fire; pompous priests; bullying shcoolmasters; the English and the terrible things they did to us for eight hundred long years. Above all we were wet..." So begins Frank McCourt's stunning memoir of his childhood in Ireland and America, a recollection of unvarnished truth and no self pity, of grinding poverty and indomitable spirit that will live in the memory long after the tape has ended. Now a major film directed by Alan Parker and starring Robert Carlyle and Emily Watson.
Read Less
Great book, well written. In my top 10 of books I've ever read.
Victoria L
May 1, 2014
the human spirit
heart rending story which I could not put down,
my mind shall contemplate Frank McCourt's
chronicles for a long time
browneyedgirl
Apr 10, 2010
I loved this book!
I had to read a section of Angela's Ashes for my english class last year. The part that we discussed was the scene in the typhoid ward. Shortly after reading it, I went out and bought the book. It is one of my favorite autobiographies. It was unique to see the hardships of McCourt's impoerished Irish family as he saw them as a child. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
ohrenberg@gmail.com
Oct 30, 2007
McCourts First
In Frank McCourts first novel he is able to weave an intricate story that will break your heart. The Tears are broken up by moments of levity that will have you laughing out loud. The true story of author Frank McCourts life of poverty in the irish city of Limerick is one you will not forget.
DWHandy
May 3, 2007
Touching and funny...
A heart tugging book that still manages to bring many smiles. The story of a poor boy growing up in America and Ireland. Frank is the oldest son of Irish parents. His father is an unemployed alcoholic and his mother is just desperate. The story is warm and the humor is genuine. The book won a Pulitzer and for good reason. I am reading the second book of the three he has written in this series.