Kevin
Myers - From the Irish Times column 'An Irishman’s Diary'
Published by Four Courts Press, Dublin, 2000
Readers
of the Irish Times will be well acquainted with Kevin Myers’
column in the 'An Irishman’s Diary'. Kevin Myers is the Irish
equivalent of the soap-box orators at Hyde Park corner – he
has passionately held opinions on any subject you care to name.
His column rouses outrage and admiration in equal measure amongst
his readers.
This
book is a selection of articles from 'An Irishman’s Diary'
written during the 1990s. He covers a range of issues – the
political issues of the day, sport, history, religion, and people
– in his own unique style. He pulls no punches in his criticism
of the foibles and pretensions of modern Irish society. He arouses
the ire of many of his readers in his debunking of shibboleths and
sacred cows. The same columns are read and praised by an equal number
of readers who agree with some of his stand points.
The
greatest strength of Kevin Myers' column is his mastery of the English
Language. His prose is polished and honed to exactitude –
there is no ambiguity about his opinions, or how they are expressed.
He writes farce with a pen dipped in vitriol, but he is equally
capable of writing thoughtful, serious pieces which address complex
issues with intelligent insight.
This book gives
a surrealistic keyhole view of what was happening in and to Ireland
during the ‘90s. It is a book to be dipped into and savoured
like a box of bitter, dark chocolates – you don’t know
what the centre holds, but it will be worth finding out.
Reviewed
by Marie, a Clare County Library staff member
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