This is an utterly wonderful book.

It delves deep into the concept of truly loving someone, flaws and all, and also takes into account the burdens and worries that inevitably accompany caring about another person.

In certain aspects, it brings to mind "The Great Gatsby", although this book focuses on the working class Irish rather than the idle rich.

Part of the story is set on Long Island, and a crucial moment in the book transpires during a Long Island summer.

It explores themes such as lost love, lies, and faith.

This book is truly remarkable and has all the qualities to deserve being regarded as a classic.

It engages the reader from the very beginning and keeps them hooked until the end, with its compelling narrative and well-developed characters.

The author has done an excellent job of portraying the complex emotions and relationships that exist within the story, making it a truly unforgettable read.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good love story with a touch of drama and a lot of heart.

Much has been written about the pleasures and artistry of this novel.

It is truly a work that captivates the reader from the very beginning. As I delved into its pages, I was left with a profound sense that Billy, despite all his charm, remained a fragile cypher. His alcoholism and poetic nature seemed to be intertwined in a complex web that could not be easily untangled.

The question that lingered in my mind was whether Billy was the betrayer of trust or if it was his closest friends who undermined his sense of self-worth. This novel demands your attention with its rich characters and intricate plot. It rewards a close reading, revealing hidden depths and nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed.

It is a literary gem that invites readers to explore the human psyche and the mysteries of relationships. Whether you are a lover of literature or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this novel is sure to satisfy.

Beautifully structured like delicate origami,

each fold revealing a new facet to the lives contained within this novel.

The eponymous subject, Billy, whose funeral opens the book, and all those whose lives were intertwined with his, are bound by blood, long acquaintance, shared memories, and religion.

This is a novel about an extended Irish-American family, their love, faith, memories, and grief.

At its center, as we learn at the end of the first chapter, lies a lie told out of love that might have changed the course of a life, reverberating intensely through the years.

The story is bracing, eloquent, unsettling, and wonderful, drawing readers in and making them reflect on the complex tapestry of human relationships and the power of secrets and lies.

It explores the depths of family bonds, the strength of faith, and the impact of memories on our lives, all while keeping us on the edge of our seats with its engaging plot and well-developed characters.

Onvan: Charming Billy

Nevisande: Alice McDermott

ISBN: 2264031115

ISBN13: 9782264031112

Saal e Chap: 1998

"Charming Billy" is a captivating novel penned by the talented Alice McDermott. Published in 1998, this book has an ISBN of 2264031115 and an ISBN13 of 9782264031112. The story unfolds with a unique charm, drawing readers into the lives of its characters. McDermott's writing style is both细腻 and engaging, making it easy for readers to become invested in the narrative. As the plot progresses, we are taken on a journey filled with emotions, secrets, and revelations. "Charming Billy" is a must-read for those who appreciate well-crafted literature that explores the human condition and the power of relationships. Whether you are a fan of McDermott's work or simply looking for a new and exciting read, this novel is sure to satisfy.

The premise of this book initially sounded so good. It started off really well, captivating my attention from the very beginning.

I had high hopes and was looking forward to an exciting read. However, as I progressed through the pages, it gradually became one of the most boring books I have ever read.

It's quite astonishing because I usually like everything! But this book just failed to hold my interest.

The story seemed to drag on without any real substance or excitement. The characters lacked depth and the plot was predictable.

I found myself constantly skimming through the pages, hoping for something interesting to happen.

Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed and I was left disappointed. It's a real pity because it had so much potential in the beginning.

Overall, it was a major letdown and I would not recommend this book to anyone.

A vivid and remarkable story, immediately one of my all-time favorites.

The first chapter reveals a fascinating secret to set the plot in motion. It is truly captivating, making you eager to know more. More importantly, it sets a tone of glances and asides and perfect declarations. The characters in this story are as alive and identifiable as any I’ve ever read. They seem to leap off the page, with their unique personalities and emotions.

The story is set in the vibrant city of New York, amidst a close-knit Irish Catholic clan. Billy Lynch, unfortunately, has drunk himself to death. However, he lives on through the remembrances of those who knew him. His presence can still be felt, casting a wide arc of various emotions such as sorrow and exhilaration, contentment and remorse.

There’s a moment, maybe two-thirds through the story, when it feels as if the story loses its drive. You might start to wonder if it will regain its momentum. But then, miraculously, the vibrance returns. It continues to grip you until the final page, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and a longing to read more.

A truly enchanting book!

The pacing and writing style effortlessly drew me into the lives of an extensive family of Irish immigrants residing in New York.

Billy, although not the central protagonist (as the book is mainly narrated in the first person by the daughter of one of Billy's cousins), serves as the thread that weaves the various parts of the story together.

The book commences with Billy's wake and then randomly hops through much of Billy's adult life, with tangents into the lives of a diverse range of characters.

It's a testament to the book's quality that I'm not faulting the time shifts. Generally, I'm not a fan of anything other than linear chronology in novels, yet in this case, it worked splendidly.

The entire book gave the impression that I was present at Billy's wake, where people would constantly say, "oh, and do you remember her? she really...." and then embark on a series of loosely connected memories. It was very well executed!

If I had to pick one nitpick, and it's a minor one but significant enough to cause me to deduct one star, it would be the ending. This book didn't really require an ending. There is no intense drama that demands resolution, no mystery that needs to be unravelled; it's simply a book about people. Consequently, the final chapter felt rather forced to me, attempting to neatly tie up loose ends that didn't necessarily need tying.

Alice McDermott has an astute and profound understanding of the Irish-American culture that prevailed throughout the twentieth century.

She masterfully captures the very essence of this unique cultural milieu in her story, which revolves around a deeply beloved character who happens to be an incurable alcoholic.

The narrative unfolds with a grace and beauty that is truly captivating. The prose is nothing short of exquisite, at times so heartrending that it tugs at the reader's emotions.

It is this remarkable combination of a poignant story and the sheer beauty of the writing that makes this novel an absolute must-read.

McDermott's ability to bring the characters and their world to life is truly a testament to her literary prowess.

Readers will find themselves immersed in the rich tapestry of Irish-American life, experiencing the joys and sorrows, the hopes and dreams of the characters as if they were their own.

This novel is a literary gem that will leave a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of reading it.

Beloved Billy has passed away while in a state of intoxication.

We embark on a soulful journey, strolling through his life and exploring the profound impact he had on the people within it. This exploration is seen through the narrative of his best friend's daughter.

The story is told in a beautifully crafted manner, filled with heartfelt emotions.

It offers a poignant and touching account of Billy's life, his relationships, and the memories he left behind.

The 3 1/2 star rating indicates that this piece is a worthy read, capable of evoking strong emotions and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

It invites us to reflect on the significance of a life lived and the power of love and friendship.

Overall, it is a moving and engaging narrative that will resonate with those who appreciate stories that touch the heart.

There is truly nothing charming about it. It lacks any sort of allure or吸引力. It fails to capture the imagination or evoke any positive emotions. It is平淡无奇and unremarkable. There are no special features or qualities that make it stand out. It is just a mundane and ordinary thing. It doesn't have the ability to draw people in or make them take a second look. It is devoid of charm and charisma. It is like a dull and lifeless object that simply exists without adding any sparkle or excitement to the world. It is a disappointment in terms of charm and fails to meet any expectations in that regard.

I grabbed this book out of a Little Library.

As soon as I started reading, I simply couldn't stop.

This story is filled with so much heartbreak, as well as an abundance of love and loss.

Alice McDermott's beautiful writing handles these themes with such tenderness.

It reminds me of our grandparent's farm.

Oh, the joy it held for us as children!

But then there was the eventual loss of it, along with our own family home, our parents, aunts, and uncles.

Even decades later, I still tightly cling to those places and memories, both the good and the bad.

They serve as a way for me to stay connected with the rest of my family.

It's amazing how a simple story can bring back all these emotions and memories.

It makes me realize the importance of holding onto those precious moments and the people who mean the most to us.

I have read half of this book, with great anticipation that it would improve as I delved deeper into its pages. However, to my disappointment, it did not.

The story seemed to lack direction and the characters remained rather one-dimensional. There were moments when I thought the plot might take an interesting turn, but it always fell short.

The writing style, while not bad, failed to engage me on a deeper level. It felt平淡 and unremarkable.

I keep hoping that the second half of the book will somehow salvage the experience and offer something more exciting and memorable. But based on what I have read so far, I am not overly optimistic.

Nevertheless, I will continue to read on, perhaps giving it the benefit of the doubt, in the hope that it will surprise me and prove to be a worthwhile read after all.