Irish memoirist Frank McCourt died today. Another great light has been extinguished.
Angela's Ashes tells the story of his early childhood in New York, his family's subsequent move back to Limerick, and the daily struggle of his mother Angela as she tried to feed her family. His tather was an alcoholic who, despite the best of intentions, drank the family's dole at the pub each week.
The second memoir, 'Tis, chronicles Frank's return to New York and how he learned to make his own way in the world. He found a profession at which he could make a meager living -- teaching -- and grew into a man.
The third book, Teacher Man, continues the story.
The tone is not maudlin, even though his life was hardscrabble. He tells it matter-of-factly and without excessive emotion, and there are some parts that are really funny. But overall, you learn what it was like to be a child growing up in the "lanes" of Limerick.
And throughout all three books, you feel like he is your friend. So rest in peace, my friend. Thanks for opening up your heart and sharing your story with the world.
Angela's Ashes tells the story of his early childhood in New York, his family's subsequent move back to Limerick, and the daily struggle of his mother Angela as she tried to feed her family. His tather was an alcoholic who, despite the best of intentions, drank the family's dole at the pub each week.
The second memoir, 'Tis, chronicles Frank's return to New York and how he learned to make his own way in the world. He found a profession at which he could make a meager living -- teaching -- and grew into a man.
The third book, Teacher Man, continues the story.
The tone is not maudlin, even though his life was hardscrabble. He tells it matter-of-factly and without excessive emotion, and there are some parts that are really funny. But overall, you learn what it was like to be a child growing up in the "lanes" of Limerick.
And throughout all three books, you feel like he is your friend. So rest in peace, my friend. Thanks for opening up your heart and sharing your story with the world.
