Description

Book Synopsis
Dorothy Nelson's first book to be published in the United States focuses on a demented, dysfunctional Irish family. The Crawford family is dominated by Da (Joe), a manic-depressive thief and liar who has spent two years in prison for exposing himself in the woods to young children and couples. Ma is a weak and downtrodden victim of her husband's violent temper who occasionally flirts with her son Benjee, an overly sensitive boy with little hope for future happiness. As the narrative passes back and forth between the members of the family (in a style reminiscent of Ann Quin), a compelling portrait of abuse and its consequences is constructed, one that contains both horror and humor in the sexual and social sicknesses of the characters.

Trade Review
'a hideous, unflinching depiction of mind and mentality in the throes of abuse.' -Bookslut

Tar and Feathers

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Dorothy Nelson

    £999.99

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      Book details

      Publisher Dalkey Archive Press
      Published 17 February 2005
      ISBN-13 9781564783738
      978-1564783738
      ISBN-10 1564783731

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Dorothy Nelson's first book to be published in the United States focuses on a demented, dysfunctional Irish family. The Crawford family is dominated by Da (Joe), a manic-depressive thief and liar who has spent two years in prison for exposing himself in the woods to young children and couples. Ma is a weak and downtrodden victim of her husband's violent temper who occasionally flirts with her son Benjee, an overly sensitive boy with little hope for future happiness. As the narrative passes back and forth between the members of the family (in a style reminiscent of Ann Quin), a compelling portrait of abuse and its consequences is constructed, one that contains both horror and humor in the sexual and social sicknesses of the characters.

      Trade Review
      'a hideous, unflinching depiction of mind and mentality in the throes of abuse.' -Bookslut

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