This lyrical and touching story of Irish Americans is truly remarkable. It alternates between being humorous and devastatingly sad, just as one would anticipate from that extraordinary tribe.

McDermott's prose is simply captivating. It reminds me of the rhythmic tides that she sometimes describes. Her phrases of eloquent description come in swells of waves, washing over the reader and carrying them along on an emotional journey.

The story delves deep into the lives and experiences of Irish Americans, painting a vivid picture of their joys, sorrows, and struggles. It explores their unique culture, traditions, and values, and how they have adapted and evolved over time.

Through McDermott's masterful storytelling, we are able to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of this fascinating community. Her words have the power to move us, to make us laugh, and to bring tears to our eyes.

This is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, a testament to the enduring power of great literature.

Hmmm.

I really got bogged down in trying to understand how all the characters were inter-related. It was quite a complex web of relationships that seemed to be constantly evolving and changing.

Moreover, I also found myself getting stuck in the whole alcoholism/Catholic guilt/Irish temperament thing. These themes were so prominent throughout the story and they really added a layer of depth and complexity that I wasn't quite sure how to handle.

And then there was the ending where everything is resolved by a marriage. That just didn't sit well with me at all. It felt too contrived and simplistic, as if the author was just trying to tie up all the loose ends in a neat little bow.

Overall, while there were some aspects of the story that I found interesting, I just couldn't get past these issues and fully engage with it.

The writing in this piece is truly excellent.

The descriptions are so wonderful that they draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are right there in the scene.

However, when it comes to the plot, there isn't much beyond what is presented in the preface.

As the story progresses, it seems to focus more on descriptive details rather than advancing the plot in a significant way.

This can be both a strength and a weakness.

On one hand, the detailed descriptions allow for a more immersive experience, but on the other hand, it may leave the reader longing for more action and development in the story.

Despite this, the author's ability to create vivid images through words is still highly commendable.

It will be interesting to see if the plot will gain more momentum as the story continues or if it will remain more focused on the descriptive aspects.

Overall, this is a piece of writing that shows great promise and has the potential to be even more engaging with a bit more plot development.

Even though Irish Catholic heritage is a part of my ethnic background, I have to admit that narratives about Irish Catholic alcoholics have become extremely tedious for me.

This particular story failed to meet my expectations on all the major aspects that define an interesting and skillfully crafted novel.

I was rather astonished to learn that it竟然 won the National Book Award.

It makes me wonder if there are other factors at play in the selection process.

Perhaps the themes it explores or the way it presents the Irish Catholic experience resonate with a wider audience.

However, from my perspective, it simply didn't have the engaging plot, well-developed characters, or the literary finesse that I look for in a great novel.

Maybe I'm being too critical, but I believe that there are many other works out there that deserve the recognition more than this one.

Alice McDermott seems to have a strong desire to emulate Anne Tyler. However, the contrast between their works is quite stark.

Tyler's characters, although irritating at times, possess a certain authenticity that makes them engaging. In contrast, McDermott's characters come across as tedious and stereotypical.

Tyler's writing is known for its clarity and insight, while McDermott's tends to be long-winded and dull. Both "Charming Billy" and "At Weddings and Wakes" focus on passive-aggressive, drunken Irish-Americans, and the result is simply boring. It's almost as if McDermott deliberately overlooked the more interesting aspects of their lives.

I'm truly baffled as to why she is lauded by critics and her work is described as eloquent and lyrical. I didn't have any issues with the shifting perspectives, narrators, or the jumps in time. The technical aspects of her writing were indeed very good. But unfortunately, it couldn't overcome the tedium, stereotypes, and the rather stupid plot.

I really hope McDermott doesn't end up winning that Pulitzer she keeps getting shortlisted for (like this book was). I've read two of her books and that's more than enough for me. I should be able to express my hatred for a book, not just a mild dislike.

Starting tonight on my second Alice M. book. "After This" was truly excellent. However, I don't see the cover of "my" library edition here.

NOW I'm delving into this new book. I'm back in the familiar McDermott territory of Long Island Irish folk after WWII. Evidently, this will be the story of a lovable, low-bottom boozer named Billy. It sounds very much like my father, although he was a bit higher up the socio-economic chain than Billy... until my mother and step-mother left him. After that, things weren't so great. He drank and smoked himself into an early grave at 65. It was sad for him and for his family. Some of us inherited a degree of his addictiveness. Both of my sisters, one older and one younger, have already passed away from addiction. I'm okay with drugs and alcohol now, but overeating and junk eating are still a challenge for me.

Another A.M. who is a great writer. Her writing is very smooth, and she is highly observant of the people she grew up with.

I see that at least one person below has complained that the book is confusing. It can be, but you have to be patient and observant.

As the various stories unfold, the narrative device is a bit awkward and challenging. I had to stop and write down everyone's name and their relationships. That really helped!

I'm moving slowly now due to work "interference". The back and forth mini-saga of Billy and his family/friends continues.

In one of the Goodreads reviews, the reviewer unfavorably compares McDermott with Anne Tyler. I completely disagree. Artistically speaking, McDermott is a much better writer. However, Tyler is more "accessible" and commercial. She writes too many books! That always makes me suspicious. She's a capable writer, but that's about it. The emotional resonance isn't there. That being said, I've only read two books each of the two authors. "The Accidental Tourist" was amusing enough but not really realistic - just a crowd pleaser. "The Amateur Marriage" was more like Ms. McDermott's stuff. Quite similar, in fact... no happy ending! I'll read more of both when I can.

The Priest drops by with the "Good News". It's nice if you can believe it!

Two recent books on my "read" list are about charming Irish Billys... this one and "Billy Phelan's Greatest Game". Both are set in New York state. Billy Phelan was about 20 years older than Billy Lynch... and from Albany.

I'm moving slowly due to life interference and distractions. Last night it was the NFL draft. Billy might have been a Jets fan! One wonders if this book is a memorial to a dead loved one... maybe Dad? It's also a celebration of the society of women friends and relatives. They are very supportive... but also morally conservative, controlling, and critical.

I should finish tonight. Only one note: Dan Lynch's paean to the priesthood rings a lot hollow these days... THANK GOD!

I finished last night, and near the end, it becomes clear that the narrator is telling the story to her husband - phew! Overall, it was a very moving read. It had me in tears a couple of times near the end. I don't have much sympathy for Billy, though (from me that is). I grew up with a low-bottom drinker. It was hell for all of us...

A lot of the "plot" hinges on Dennis' lie. Would he really have done that???

The narrative device is confusing. Still, 3.75* rounds up to 4*.

The book commences at the funeral of Billy, an Irish American in 90s NY, who unfortunately passed away due to alcoholism.

We gain insights into Billy and his immigrant and second-generation Irish Catholic family through reminiscences on the very day of his funeral and via extended scenes of his life post WWII on Long Island.

One of the numerous aspects that I adored about this book is that one has to pay attention in a composed and prolonged manner to truly relish it.

Most of the characters are upright and caring individuals.

The writer is an astonishing observer of humanity, and this book distinguishes itself from other books owing to its rather distinct style.

It offers a unique perspective on the lives of the characters, delving deep into their emotions, relationships, and the challenges they face.

The detailed descriptions and the nuanced portrayal of the characters make the book a captivating read, transporting the reader into the world of Billy and his family.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression.

Melancholy has truly taken hold of me, making me extremely sad. It's as if a heavy cloud is constantly hanging over my head.

And in this state of sadness, an intense longing has emerged within me to go to the beach. The idea of feeling the soft sand beneath my feet, hearing the gentle lapping of the waves, and breathing in the salty sea air seems like a possible escape from this overwhelming melancholy.

But there's another aspect to this. I'm doomed by the narrative, whatever that may be. It's like an unseen force is pulling me in a certain direction, yet my heart still desires so badly for Billy to be happy. I find myself torn between my own emotions and this concern for Billy's well-being.

I don't know how to reconcile these two things. Maybe going to the beach will provide some clarity, or perhaps it will only deepen my confusion. But for now, the longing to go to the beach and the hope for Billy's happiness continue to swirl within me, creating a complex and bittersweet mix of emotions.

I'm not entirely certain what I should say regarding this particular matter.

It seems to be a rather heartbreaking portrayal of life, I suppose.

Perhaps it's one of those situations where words fail to fully capture the essence and depth of the emotions involved.

The experience might be so profound and poignant that it leaves one at a loss for adequate expression.

It could be a story that touches on the hardships and tragedies that people sometimes have to endure in their lives.

Maybe it's a reminder of the fragility and vulnerability of the human condition.

Despite not being able to find the perfect words to describe it, there's an undeniable impact that this slice of life has had.

It makes us stop and think about the various challenges and difficulties that others face, and perhaps it even makes us more empathetic and understanding.

Overall, it's a complex and thought-provoking piece that leaves a lasting impression.

A simple story written simply and intertwined with simple lies, simple hopes, simple betrayals, simple sacrifices, simple friendships, simple loves of very simple people.

Although behind all this simplicity, not everything is so simple. To me, this “Charming Man” has simply charmed me a little.

The story unfolds in a seemingly ordinary way, with the characters going about their daily lives, filled with the ordinary yet complex emotions that we all experience. The simple lies they tell are often born out of fear or a desire to protect themselves or others. The simple hopes they hold give them the strength to keep going, even in the face of difficulties.

The betrayals and sacrifices add a layer of depth to the story, showing that even the simplest of people can make difficult choices. The friendships and loves that develop are both heartwarming and bittersweet, as we see the characters struggle to navigate the complexities of human relationships.

Overall, this story may seem simple on the surface, but it is actually a profound exploration of the human condition. It reminds us that even in the simplest of lives, there is beauty, sadness, and everything in between.

A beautiful story of mourning and remembering unfolded within a big Catholic family.

The narrative was filled with passages that delved deep into the realms of faith and love, which had the power to bring tears to one's eyes.

Although the overall tone of the story might not be extremely optimistic, it still held a certain charm and significance.

For me, it felt like the right book at the right time.

When it comes to the style, I'm not entirely sure I understand the purpose of the narrator.

However, I guess I didn't dislike her either.

Perhaps her role was to guide the readers through the complex emotions and events that took place within the family.

Overall, it was a thought-provoking and moving read that left a lasting impression on me.

Billy Flynn, a charming and much-beloved figure, has finally met his untimely end. He drank himself to death, as everyone had suspected he would someday.

After the funeral, his friends and family gathered in a restaurant and then proceeded to the widow's house. There, stories of Billy flowed like the whiskey that had claimed his life.

A vivid picture of his life emerged, especially the tragedy that had haunted him for decades: the death of the young woman he had fallen in love with in his youth and wanted to marry. Or perhaps, could it be possible that she didn't really die?

The story is filled with the ordinary sweetness and sadness of life: ordinary love, ordinary loss, ordinary reversals, and betrayals. Yet, it is told with such meticulousness and affection, in language so precise and beautiful, that you can't help but truly care about Billy.

Despite his obvious flaws, such as his inflexibility, stubborn self-deceit, and of course, the drinking, he also had many quiet virtues, especially his faith, loyalty, and sensitivity.

I don't think I've read any of McDermott's books before, but this one has definitely piqued my interest. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for another. I really enjoyed this engaging and poignant story.