rnicaogain's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bobbo49's review against another edition
4.0
Can't imagine anyone writes in modern Irish vernacular more brilliantly than Doyle. This is a laugh-out-loud funny and poignant story of two middle-aged friends who, in the wake of their having lost their respective jobs, decide to run a chips van together. As the initial euphoria of working together begins to melt into the demise of their long relationship, Doyle gives as a beautiful snapshot of modern middle class Ireland, family and friendship.
jgwc54e5's review
3.0
The third book in the Barrytown trilogy, each time I enjoyed the previous book to the next. This one focuses on Jimmy Rabbitte senior who has been laid off and the family is struggling along with little money coming in. When Jimmy Sr’s friend Bimbo also is laid off the two go into business running a chip and burger van. There’s still plenty of humour and insight into working class lives particularly older men and how they relate to their families and friends, and cope with unemployment.
sharonbakar's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed The Guts - poignant and laugh-aloud funny, and am so glad Doyle picked up his characters from The Barrytown Trilogy again. Few authors write dialogue this well.
linda_edwards's review against another edition
4.0
Not quite as good as the previous two in the series but still a great funny read.
micrummey's review against another edition
3.0
The third of the Barrytown trilogy as Jimmy Rabbitte Sr and his mate Bimbo, both unemployed take over the running of a decrepit fast food van.
Although witty with sharp dialogue as in the other two books in the trilogy I was a tad disappointed it took quite a time for the van to be introduced.
I think this book is slightly darker than the others and there seems less hope as Jimmy is resigned to the fate of the van during an environmental health inspection. How he and Jimmy dispose of the van is quite sad and the reader is left thinking, what will happen to Jimmy's family and Bimbo.
Although witty with sharp dialogue as in the other two books in the trilogy I was a tad disappointed it took quite a time for the van to be introduced.
I think this book is slightly darker than the others and there seems less hope as Jimmy is resigned to the fate of the van during an environmental health inspection. How he and Jimmy dispose of the van is quite sad and the reader is left thinking, what will happen to Jimmy's family and Bimbo.
ciarak10's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the continuation of the characters in this story, the addition of Gina from The Snapper now as a toddler was a nice touch. Overall the book was humorous and well written. The Irish slang and humour and way of life does just make the book. But it was good to see anxiety highlighted in the book. The main character was a middle aged man and repeatedly there was mention of this thing he didn’t understand or really know what it was, the heaviness, the lump in the chest. And for something written at a time when issues like that weren’t properly acknowledged or spoken about in every day life, it was uplifting to see. Overall I really enjoyed this story and really enjoyed the characters from all three books in the trilogy
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