Glenn Patterson

https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3337565.html

A book on the agonies of Northern Ireland, written by an author who I generally admire (he wrote the script for the film Good Vibrations, which stars Jodie Whittaker as the wife of legendary Belfast music figure Terri Hooley). He takes the story right up to the start of last month, which of course means it's now rather out of date, with the December 2019 election and the restoration of devolution having happened in the meantime (having said which, show more cracks are already appearing in the new settlement). Patterson's style is engaging, but I wish he had something more concrete than offering a long long sigh of despair. Not that I can really blame him. I think it would be an entertaining and fairly light introduction to Northern Ireland for people who don't know too much already. show less

Despite owning a number of books by Glenn this was, shamefully, the first one I got round to reading (it's not even one of the books I actually own). Started off as a slow read but ended up reading the last two thirds one sunny day in early June. I guess some books just need a little longer spells in their company. I found it an enjoyable and thought provoking book in the end.

Interesting tale, which I enjoyed due to the Belfast setting. Overall, though, tension was a little lacking. But likeable characters and worth a pick-up.

A fictional account of John DeLorean and his iconic "Gull Wing" car.
This is an imagined tale of his life as a con man entrepreneur and and of people who know him, as well as the Troubles in Northern Ireland where his factory was based.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Head of Zeus via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.