The eight tales in Roddy Doyle's first-ever collection of stories have one thing in common: someone born in Ireland meets someone who has come to live there. New Boy describes the first day of school for a nine-year-old boy from Africa; while in The Pram, a terrifying ghost story, a Polish nanny grows impatient with her charge's older sisters and decides-in a new phrase she has learned-to "scare them shitless." In 57% Irish, a man decides to devise a test of Irishness by measuring reactions to three things: Riverdance, the song "Danny Boy," and Robbie Keane's goal against Germany in the 2002 World Cup. And in the wonderful title story, Jimmy Rabbitte, the man who formed The Commitments, decides that it's time to find a new band-a multicultural outfit that specializes not in soul music but in the folk songs of Woody Guthrie. With empathy and insight, The Deportees and Other Stories takes a new slant on the immigrant experience, something of increasing relevance in today's Ireland.
"All
these stories are about blended worlds and the problems inherent in that
blending, no matter what wealth or luxury a place affords. The guys and dolls
in Jimmy Rabbitte's new gang have last names like Boro, Bunuel, Stefanescu, and
Ivanov, and when he tries to bring them together as he had with the Commitments,
it seems as if it can't work: 'The dynamic was different; they were older,
foreign, the country was too prosperous, they weren't hungry-something.' That 'something'
lies at the heart of this collection, and its elusiveness is captivating. As,
of course, is Doyle's sense of humor."
"There
isn't a bad story in the bunch, and each introduces vivid characters struggling
with self-identity in a newly multicultural Ireland. Roddy Doyle has long been
a treasure, and this collection wonderfully reflects his richly comic
humanity."
"Writing
at the top of his form...Doyle proves a brilliant, offbeat Dublin diplomat…He
has the sharpest eye, the wildest sense of humor, and the most benevolent heart."
"Constantly
inventive, extremely funny, and illustrate his ability to get under the skin of
ordinary people."
"The
evident sincerity and unrepentant good cheer of these stories will carry the
reader a long way with them."
"Doyle's
dynamic first collection of short stories offers light and heartfelt
perspectives on the effects of immigration on Irish culture…Doyle's wry sense
of humor saves the narrative from triteness… Doyle's immense talent as a writer
is neatly showcased throughout, and his sharp wit adds a richness to every
tale."
"Every
selection reflects the author's mastery at creating authentic dialog and a
realistic sense of place; readers will find themselves drawn into the sounds,
sights, and highly charged atmosphere of contemporary Dublin. Highly
recommended."
"Critics
agreed that The Deportees is vintage
Doyle, demonstrating his sharp wit, lively sense of humor, richly drawn
characters, and ear for dialogue…By turns poignant and chilling, heartbreaking
and laugh-out-loud funny, Doyle's stories are as affecting as his novels."
"Doyle's
employment of dialogue and vernacular are characteristically colorful."
"The
stories are characterized by broad humor or satire…Hugh Lee is an outstanding
match for the material. The characters in every story are given distinct voices
that seem true to the personalities being portrayed. Rapid-fire conversations
sound as if they've been recorded in real life. Lee's performance of 'The Pram,'
in particular, is a tour de force, offering the voices of a Polish nanny, two
small Irish girls, and a range of Irish adults. The listener is unquestionably
in Ireland throughout this excellent production. Winner of an AudioFile
Earphones Award."
