Foolish Mortals by Jennifer Johnston.

It is an extraordinary courageous project for a well established writer to test as it were new ground and it is a mark of their ability as a writer when they succeed in doing so. Certainly, in 'Foolish Mortals' Jennifer Johnston lays down a strong claim to be one of the strongest novelists writing in Ireland today.

The novel tells the story of a dysfunctional family (sometimes one might be excused for thinking a la Monty Python) in the Dublin of today. As we sink into the abyss of their craziness, a strong satire of modern Irish society emerges orchestrated by one of the more marvellous characters of modern Irish fiction, the eccentric Tass. As we head towards a finale that would have done any self respecting B Western Movie proud, we find ourselves roaring with laughter but aware of the uncomfortable questions that the author is asking.

The book is about the fact of old age, love and redemption and our crass inability to cope. This is vintage Johnston and one can only hope that it isn't her swan song. Signed copies of Foolish Mortals by Jennifer Johnston is currently available online at www.kennys.ie for €18.99.

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