Reviews

The Boatman and Other Stories by Billy O'Callaghan

hatterell's review

dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

This was a pretty average collection. The stories weren't bad, but often it felt like I was reading just to get through the book, and I couldn't pinpoint the purpose of a few stories. I also didn't like the way this author wrote women.

There were a couple of stand-out stories I really enjoyed - "Beginish" & "The Boatman". O'Callaghan had a nice writing style throughout, but what gripped me the most was the darker elements of his stories, and how he approached injury and death. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Car accident, Death, and Grief

fictionophile's review against another edition

5.0

Twelve outstanding and often poignant stories from one of Ireland's master storytellers. The stories cover a wide range of topics, but many deal with tragic situations, regret, death, and loss.

My favourite story in the collection was "Beginish", a tragic tale that because of its imagery, will remain with me for a long, long, time.

When I find myself constantly highlighting passages when I am reading, I always know that I'm indulging in high quality, literary fiction.

Highly recommended to all those who enjoy reading meaningful prose in a short story format.

pvn's review

4.0

This is a strong collection of stories. I'm a short story fan, and enjoyed these stories overall.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!