Malachy is Frank McCourt’s wild younger brother. His tale begins in America working the docks as his older brother did, stealing as much as he could conceal on his bodice and drinking far more than recommended. From there a wild string of events takes place: he works his way to (minor) stardom in the theatre and TV chat shows, opens up “Malachy’s” with a few buddies which quickly turns into the hottest saloon in New York, weds a not-quite-girlfriend and has two children by her which he abandons to engage in excessive drinking and general hedonism, smuggles gold to India…
It’s an interesting read for a number of reasons. I’ve read both Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes and ‘Tis, and now I’ve seen parts of those books from a different point of view. Malachy is also the entertainer of the family and this is portrayed in his writing style. It’s very colloquial, easy to read yet he is obviously well-read. The dictionary had to come out a few times. He is, in his own words, an erudite. Still, reading his book is just like listening to him telling stories at a pub.
The stories themselves aren’t overly impressive. He’s led an exciting life, but I think we all do, so this is to be expected of a biography. If there wasn’t anything exciting or different to write about there wouldn’t be much point. What I did like, as I just mentioned, is his writing style and therefore have to recommend it. In my opinion he’s superseded his brother. Very entertaining.
