Part Two(see F23 for part one :-)Personally, I preferred BREAKFAST ON PLUTO. Although, both of these books don’t fall in to the range of books that I would normally read. I normally read thrillers or crime fiction. However, once I got into both of the books I did enjoy them; as a result I think that I might try to source some more of Patrick McCabe’s books. To be completely honest, to start off with, I did find THE TWELFTH DAY OF JULY quite dull. Nonetheless, I did try to follow it in class and once I got used to the characters, I really did enjoy the book.In spite of this, I did like BREAKFAST ON PLUTO more. I really enjoyed hearing about the way in which Patrick faced life. He did it in such character and originality, with wittiness and charm that was magical in amongst the overcast London Streets and the conflicts arising in Ireland at the time. I thought that Patrick McCabe, the author, had fantastically written this book, however unusually written. I think that it shows quite a bit of courage to publish a book in the period in which he did, especially with the context in which it was written. In amongst all of the doom and gloom of the time, Patrick McCabe has injected some colour and life along with an upbeat tone and beautiful imagery.When it comes to recommendations, I think that BREAKFAST ON PLUTO is only geared towards a limited target audience. Whereas, I think that most people would enjoy the read of THE TWELFTH DAY OF JULY.BREAKFAST ON PLUTO is a book that comes in quite strong, it flutters its way, darting to avoid the oncoming bullets of the eventualities, or, I suppose, circumstances of life’s chosen paths. It doesn’t stop while on its journey to consider anyone’s reaction to its chosen path. It just laughs it off and carries on in its delicate, yet determined way.With this in mind, I think that I would recommend this book to young adults, still finding their feet and not set in their ways. Although, I think that an older person might enjoy reading this more because of its vivid references to the past. Although, this book isn’t for the mind of someone not willing to try something new, as I think that they might get a shock because of the pure innocent honesty of the book which has been hidden in a way in which can result in ignorance.On the other hand, THE TWELFTH DAY OF JULY is a more plain and pleasant book to read. I think that a young adolescent would probable enjoy reading this book, as it follows the story of people their own age. I also think that people in this age group would probably enjoy reading about the adventures that the characters go on and the experiences they have. In addition, I think that because people in this group would be learning about Ireland’s recent history at school, it would be enjoyable for them to read a book set in the time period that they are studying. Although, again, I think that older people might enjoy reading these books to relive the adventures that they got into back in the ‘Good old days’.Hopefully, this comparison has helped you to try something new and I truly hope that you have enjoyed reading this Book Review. Thank you for reading, “Au revoir et bon voyage!”
Hmm. Well I've been putting off reviewing this one because I'm honestly not entirely sure how I feel about it. I watched the movie, oh, about a year or so ago and I loved it. Naturally, I assumed I would feel the same about the book. I don't know if it was the way this book was written or what but I just thought it was ... odd. At times it seemed like it was written in a completely different language.Don't get me wrong. The story is one I find fascinating and it definitely kept me interested. Well, this time around. The first time I picked up this book was last fall. I got about 30 pages in before a stressful semester took over and I decided to save this one for later. Now, almost a year later, I feel like I connected with it a little better and maybe that helped me like it a bit more.Overall, I'd say it was a pretty good book. I loved the few additives that were different from the movie. But, honestly, I still say I liked the movie more. It's a pretty fast paced story and I didn't think things were always explained too well. With confusing storylines, well, I think they're just easier to follow in a movie than a book. So I guess I'm at a loss. It's a good story but I don't know if I'd recommend reading it in book form. I do, however, DEFINITELY recommend the movie. Cillian Murphy is one of the most amazing human beings. And he is attractive as either a girl or a guy which is, well, awesome. And definitely something everyone should see at least once in their life, ha.
What do You think about Breakfast On Pluto (1999)?
As less as I enjoyed this novel than 'The Butcher Boy' (though not really that much), McCabe's potential for writing beautiful, evocative, and at times almost Shakespearean, prose is pungently evident in 'Breakfast on Pluto', particularly in Pussy's "passages" throughout. It is regrettable that the author has depleted the coherence of the story even further by spiking it with tragedy, however realistic. As Neil Jordan demonstrates in his film adaptation years later, going without can offer a precious piece of work. However, the book is certainly imaginative and, most importantly, Irish. Therefore, I'm giving it three stars.
—Áine
Well it turns out I (and my professor) were about the only people in my class that really liked this book. Everybody said it was too hard to read, too disjointed, too vulgar, the narrator was too unreliable, etc. Well yeah. That's the point. I recognize that this is certainly not a book that everybody will enjoy, but you can't deny there is an odd power to it. Maybe because I am particularly interested in Irish nationalism, including the IRA and all that, anyway, but I was really fascinated in the scene of this book. Patrick is certainly not your typical narrator, and left many in my class asking why McCabe chose to portray the violence of 1970's Ireland through the eyes of a transvestite prostitute. Well that's a discussion unto itself, and although I'm still putting that together myself, there is a real satisfaction that I get thinking of Patrick as an inverted of the woman Irish nationalism is usually portrayed as. So if you want a real crazy stream-of-conscioussness look at Irish history and violence and don't mind quite a bit of profanity and sexuality (used metaphorically mind you) than check this out.
—Scott Smith
I loved this book. I would a big McCabe fan beforehand and so was familiar with his narrative style. Yet again McCabe has managed to create a fascinating character, and I feel that it is Patrick "Pussy" Braden who carries this text much in the same way as Francie Brady is the driving force of the story in The Butcher Boy.Something was always happening throughout the novel and this, along with the short chapters and low page count, made it a quick an easy read. Perfect for someone who is just dipping their toe into the darker side of Irish fiction.
—Matthew Boyd
