In his analysis of the works of James Joyce, the novelist, linguist and literary critic Anthony Burgess maintained that there are two types of novels – those focused on the world at large, with plot and character central, and those concerned with language and form. This week’s column looks at a novel that prizes language over plot while bringing the reader on a tour of Dublin. Familiar as that description sounds, especially at this time of year, it’s not that novel, but a debut by a new Irish author. Caitriona Lally’s Eggshells is an altogether less complex, more reader friendly book. While light on plot, it is full of action and humour as its beguiling narrator, Vivian Lawlor, takes her...
↧