The Mammy is the debut novel of Irish author Brendan O'Carroll, and from this novel there would be two direct sequels and a later prequel. These books would be adapted first as a radio series titled Mrs. Brown's Boys, as a film titled Agnes Browne, and finally as a hit BBC television series also titled Mrs. Brown's Boys. The latter is where I came to know of the work of Brendan O'Carroll and his unique sense of humour.The only piece of advice I would have for anyone approaching these books out of admiration for the popular BBC series is this: don't expect a parallel experience. These books were written prior to the show, and a number of details are very different. The Mrs. Brown (presented in The Mammy as Mrs. Browne) is quite a different reading experience. Some characters from the BBC series are missing, and there are a number of characters that were cut out out of the TV show.There isn't a major plot for this book. For the most part, it consists of many events and sequences occurring with no real particular plot buildup. This is also, once more in contrast to the TV show, this book is about Agnes being a mammy to a number of young children. This book chronicles the adventures of some of her children, as well as the adventures she and her good friend Marion have. This book is an extremely entertaining and charming book. Despite the sometimes serious subject matter, the author has brilliantly woven a tale that is equal parts funny and deeply moving all at the same time. At its heart, this is a book about the importance of friendship and family relationships, staying strong even in the toughest of situations, and, most importantly, holding on to dreams. As the last line of the book, being the conclusion to an immensely satisfying, sweet (although highly predictable) ending states: Dream on, Agnes Browne! For everyone's sake, dream on!The only major hindrance this book has is its usage of constant profanity. Although played for laughs or emphasis, the use of foul language - from Agnes, Marion and the young children - becomes tiresome and loses any charm it may have had before the book is over.This is a short, quick little read and a very positive opening statement from an author that would progress to write the trilogy, a prequel, another, unrelated work and a number of other comical books from the Mrs. Brown's Boys brand.I will always view the Mrs. Brown show in a different light due to this book. If anything, it added depth to the characters and provided enriching story arcs that I didn't know before and didn't realize would make the adaptations so much better. I certainly look forward to treating myself to The Chiselers to spend some more time with Agnes Browne and her charming, hilarious family.
Non so se è un periodo fortunato per le mie letture, sta di fatto che anche questa volta sono entusiasta di parlarvi di questo libro!Se siete in un periodaccio, in cui avete i nervi a fior di pelle, non azzeccate nessuna lettura, non avete voglia di veri e propri mattoni e non sapete come uscirne...allora Brendan O'Carrol è proprio l'autore che fa per voi! Questo libro è davvero un gioiellino che vi farà fare della grosse e sane risate, passerete una giornata spensierata a divertirvi con Agnes!Agnes Browne: giovane e bella, madre di sette figli, lavoratrice instancabile con la passione per Cliff Richard, dal carattere forte e diretto ed una simpatia naturale e irresistibile, ma con un unico problemuccio, Rosso, un marito manesco e indebitato.Ma quando all'improvviso Rosso muore, è allora che la vita di Agnes inizia davvero, nonostante i problemi quotidiani siano tanti: mantenere sette figli, di cui solo uno abbastanza grande per dare una mano, non è per nulla facile quando si ha solo un banco di frutta e verdura al mercato, ma con l'aiuto e il supporto della fedele amica Marion, Agnes affronterà tutto con un'altro spirito, con passione per la vita e con tanto amore per i figli.Agnes e Marion formano una coppia davvero straordinaria: due figure comiche all'inverosimile che vi faranno ridere come non mai, il bello della coppia però è che risultano davvero reali, con il loro linguaggio popolare, ricco di parolacce, la loro schiettezza e la loro arroganza di rispondere sempre in un modo che potrebbe risultare offensivo se non fosse così divertente e naturale."Agnes Browne mamma" è davvero un capolavoro della comicità, è il ritratto di una donna forte e capace nella Dublino di fine anni Settanta, con gioie e dolori, problemi e sogni, perchè quello che non manca al libro sono i sentimenti e i buoni insegnamenti.Leggetelo, non ve ne pentirete!
What do You think about The Mammy (1999)?
Copertina: bellissima.Contenuto: una cretinata totale.PS: E ne ho anche altri tre da leggere dello stesso autore, porcaccia la miseria. :-(
—Arwen56
Loved, loved, loved it. I'm Irish descent so feel like I'm near home reading this trilogy ( "The Chisslers" and "The Granny" follow). On the very first page I had tears of laughter and somehow, that seams to make you cry more at the sad bits.It is fantastically written and is the story of Agnes Brown from when her husband Redser has died. It is worth mentioning, if you have seen "Mrs Brown's Boys" on T.V., this is the set of books that the show was based on. Although it is about the same person, it covers a wider stretch of years than the show does. This means the books are sometimes different stories and then now and again there's a little bit you saw on the telly. They are the most poignant, warming, funny, sad,lovely , lovely books I've ever read. I daren't say anything about plots and characters because I would spoil things, but I will say, the last page of "The Granny" I properly sobbed. Funny, funny, sad, sad books. I loved them!
—Kate Kelly
I'm a big fan of Mrs Brown's Boys, a very popular comedy here in England with Brendan O'Carroll acting as the lead character, Agnes Brown. It will probably be a surprise for quite a few people that the series is based on a trilogy of books written by O'Carroll himself. It was definitely a (very pleasant) surprise to me when I saw the trilogy in the bookshop. I knew I just had to pick them up!Agnes Browne (With an e, unlike the TV show) is a loud, funny (though often not intentionally) and caring (in her own way, at least) Irish mother of seven children, struggling but trying her best to get through life after the death of her husband and a loss of income. To be honest, I couldn't tell you what a Northern Dublin neighbourhood would've been like in the 1960's, but it's the place and time period portrayed in this book and it seemed quite realistic. I have been to Dublin a couple of times and it was great to see a lot of popular places referenced - anybody who has been will recognise some of the mentioned locations. I thought that the atmosphere and the working-class struggle of Dublin was very well described and I really got into the setting.Mrs Brown's Boys, as I've said, is a comedy and it is guaranteed to make me laugh out loud (often for quite a while afterwards, too!) every time. I was worried that the book wouldn't be as humorous after seeing it acted out, but oh, how wrong was I! I absolutely loved the humour in this book and was laughing nearly throughout each page. I instantly warmed to Agnes Browne and found her absolutely hilarious. Her connection with the other characters was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading about Agnes and her best friend Marion, their relationship was especially touching. Although the book was, for the most part, amusing, it also touched on some rather sensitive subjects, including love and loss. There was a real sense of community as everyone helped each other and even though times were difficult, good relationships and positivity helped to get them through. I really commend O'Carroll for executing this book so well. This was a very quick read as it was a short book at less than 180 pages, but it felt as though the author packed a lot in during that space. Without being overly descriptive, a very vivid scene was set and the personality of each character shone from the pages. I still have the next books, The Chisellers and The Granny to read and frankly, I can't wait! This is definitely a book that I'll keep hold of and can already see myself wanting to revisit it in the future!
—Stephanie (Stepping out of the Page)
