Critical Mick

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The Valparaiso Voyage
Dermot Bolger
Flamingo, 2002

Coddle is a Revolting Mess of an Irish Dish. Chowder's Nice.

Dublin has been portrayed dirty old times. But Navan, County Meath? The Valparaiso Voyage is the only novel that I know of which explores that gateway town. It also explores the realities of political corruption- a topic, sadly, only too Irish and too true. The news in recent years has been filled with tribunals, while homes have been planted and promptly flooded on unsuitable lands that Liam Lawler and company enriched themselves rezoning.

This examination of power in towns small and large was the novel's most interesting feature. Rather than the satisfying wish-fulfilment of revenge that most writers would offer, The Valparaiso Voyage explores what goes on within these men. What's their side of the story?

That theme is only one within The Valparaiso Voyage's breadth. It is a human story, aimed at the heart- family, love, immigration and racism, gambling, homosexuality, marriage. Like Father's Music, a mystery keeps the pages turning. I don't believe the pieces fuse so well, though. A boy living in a back-garden chicken coop? Like Augustus juggling skulls for relaxation in Carl Hiaasen's magnificent Stormy Weather, that's a great place for a character to start. Brendan Brogan did not convince me. His many issues, conflicts and passions felt like a coddle of random odds and ends. Irish pieces? Yes. I don't care how Dublin it is, though. I don't like coddle. Give me that perfect, natural blend seafood chowder from The Anglers' Rest, any day.

Two and a half stars.

Mick proudly presents a profile of Dermot Bolger on the DFA Guide to Dublin.

Dermot Bolger is a cool guy in Critical Mick's book. Even if The Valparaiso Voyage disappointed.

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This Page Was Last Updated On 30 May, 2005.