Tony Hogan M'a Payé Un Ice-cream Soda Avant De Me Piquer Maman (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
Gritty novel about growing up in council housing in and around Aberdeen, Scotland. Hudson makes an interesting narrative choice is having Janie Ryan narrate what she observes around her from the very moment she emerges from the womb. According to Janie, who is descended from fishwives, the first words she hears are part of a profanity-laden, end-of-labor invective. Hudson's writing is compelling and a little rough around the edges. Certain sections of the novel seem less developed than others, and a good deal of energy leaves the book when Janie's ma is not present. But I would absolutely and emphatically hate it if these flaws were removed; I don't think the novel would have the same power and impact. I can't wait to read Kerry Hudson's follow up novel, Thirst. If you're a fan of The Barrytown Trilogy by Roddy Doyle, you'll appreciate Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice-Cream Float... I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews below, this is an incredible book. Janie's voice is strong and poetic and the way she unfolds her mother's story from her point of view from birth and beyond is as close as she can get without being under her mother's skin. And I felt I was under her skin, a sad and hard-hitting character who is here and everywhere. This story will resonate with more people than anyone would ever wish for. This book has the lowest lows and yet in the end, a glimmer of hope. A captivating read.
What do You think about Tony Hogan M'a Payé Un Ice-cream Soda Avant De Me Piquer Maman (2014)?
I read this in 2 days and loved every second of it. Very true voice
—Tita
