This One Is Actually Worth Readiing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Kevin Barry's novel made "The New York Times Ten Best Books Of 2019 List," and, while it may not make mine, I can understand why it got on The Times' list.  While the book is gritty as hell--two retired, down and out Irish drug dealers/addicts waiting for said boat of the title, muse on their lives in a style that is verse like, and recalls Samuel Beckett--its strength is also its brevity.

                                           Which is what makes all the grittiness--drugs, prostitutes, masturbation, a missing daughter--spewed out by both Maurice Hearne and Charles Redmond--almost lyrical and poetic; the Irish way, by God.  "Night Boat To Tangier" is beautifully structured as it is compelling; the two often do not coincide, but they do, here.  I was genuinely impressed by Barry's  literary achievement.  He is able to construct deftly what in lesser hands would be tedious and boring.

                                              Mr. Barry should be congratulated on his achievement.  I recommend this for lovers of serious, and satisfying, fiction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Would I steer you wrong, darlings???????????????????