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The Glorious Heresies
416 pages, 2017
One messy murder affects the lives of five misfits who exist on the fringes of Ireland's post-crash society. Ryan is a fifteen-year-old drug dealer desperate not to turn out like his alcoholic father Tony, whose obsession with his unhinged next-door neighbor threatens to ruin him and his family.
Georgie is a prostitute whose willingness to feign a religious conversion has dangerous repercussions, while Maureen, the accidental murderer, has returned to Cork after forty years in exile to discover that Jimmy, the son she was forced to give up years before, has grown into the most fearsome gangster in the city.
In seeking atonement for the murder and a multitude of other perceived sins, Maureen threatens to destroy everything her son has worked so hard for, while her actions risk bringing the intertwined lives of the Irish underworld into the spotlight. . . Biting, moving, and darkly funny, The Glorious Heresies explores salvation, shame, and the legacy of Ireland's twentieth-century attitudes to sex and family.
Lisa McInerney's The Glorious Heresies explores the theme of redemption. The characters, despite their flaws and mistakes, are given opportunities to change and improve. It's a reminder that it's never too late to turn things around.
McInerney doesn't shy away from showing the complexities of human nature. She presents characters who are deeply flawed, yet relatable. This book encourages us to look beyond the surface and understand the reasons behind people's actions.
The Glorious Heresies takes a deep look into how our environment shapes us. The characters are products of their surroundings, showing how our circumstances can influence our decisions and who we become.
The book explores the constant struggle with morality. The characters often find themselves in morally ambiguous situations, forcing them to question their beliefs and values. It's a great read if you're interested in exploring the grey areas of morality.
Life isn't always neat and tidy, and The Glorious Heresies doesn't shy away from this reality. McInerney presents a raw and honest portrayal of life's messiness, reminding us that it's okay to not have everything figured out.
Quotes 5
A dazzling, searingly honest debut novel that captures the spirit of a generation.
Bailey's Women's Prize for Fiction - Literary PrizeA riotous narrative, infused with the energy of a rebel spirit.
The Guardian - News PublicationA compelling portrayal of Ireland's underclass, in all its raw brutality.
The Irish Times - Irish NewspaperA bold, brash, innovative book that pulses with authenticity.
The Independent - UK NewspaperA gritty, vibrant book that's crackling with raw emotion.
The New York Times - US Newspaper