SHAMELESS (UK) or SHAMELESS(US) will like the novel GLORIOUS HERESIES. It also reminds me of the British Soaps such as CORONATION STREET and HOLLYOAKS. The story is set in Ireland during the financial crash almost ten years ago. McInerney exhibits extreme writing skills as she is able to combine the profane Irish street vernacular with some of the biggest and most beautiful words I have ever read. GLORIOUS HERESIES was published in Ireland previously where it had won a very big award and is now being released in the USA. It speaks to changing attitudes on giving birth and women's choice, different vices and crimes, and serves as an coming of age story. It also speaks to how strong the Catholic Church and Christianity is in Ireland and so there are things considered heresies in the story. What do people do when the economy is so bad as to leave them with only a series of not so good choices?
Ryan is fifteen and in the throes of first love while dealing with an abusive, alcoholic father. This propels him to an early career dealing drugs. Georgie is a young woman whose boyfriend turns her into a prostitute. Maureen is a grandmother who kills an intruder to her home but is unable to go to the police as they may investigate her gangster son's business. Some of the characters seem lovable while some of them come across as despicable. It's all an excellent study of human nature.
I read the book straight through in a little over a 24 hour time period on a holiday weekend. I chose the book for review because I enjoy literature and media from Ireland and England. I liked this story and will see about getting the sequel when it becomes available. This book was provided to me free of charge via the publisher and Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
Book cover image provided by the publisher via Blogging for Books.
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