The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe: My Review

The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a brillant novel that reads a bit like an Irish version of the Catcher in the Rye, with a younger, less privelaged Holden narrating his rites of passage and precocious observations of the world around him.

Unlike Salinger's classic, The Butcher Boy takes an irrevocable turn for the worse at the end, forcing the reader to examine the importance of family and community and their influences during childhood. I felt like this story could be universal in a way, a discouraging yet important fact to consider when we look at underprivelaged youth culture, not only in Ireland, but all over the world.

I enjoyed the author's use of idiomatic expressions and typical Irish accents, which bring the characters to life and make the reader feel as though she is in Ireland with the protaganist and other townsfolk.

Another intelligent, witty, and insightful work to add to the tome of contemporary Irish literature, along with Roddy Doyle.


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