Angela's Ashes is more of an experience than a book. It was one of the most heart-wrenching things that I've ever read. Had it been a work of fiction, I'd have thought 'My God, what a good read'. However, knowing that the author, Frank McCourt lived through this story makes those tiny hairs on the back of my neck rise.
Set in the slums of Limerick in the 1940's, Angela's Ashes is the story of how a young boy, namely Frank McCourt grew up and made a life for himself dispite the pityful hand of cards that God had dealt him.
Angela is the long suffering wife of an alcohic. He loves his family dearly, but just can't fight the urge to spend every penny he gets on drink. He is an Irish rebel of the old school, or at least he likes to think he is. On rolling home drunk from the pub, he would call for his boys to come down from bed for a penny if they promised to die for Ireland.
Grinding poverty and daily humiliation is the order of the day in the McCourt household. Lucky to have some fried bread and tea in their bellies for the day, the family get on with their lot in life.
Young Frank has to move home to Ireland from New York after the death of his baby sister. They has been living in filth in Brooklyn, and were given the fair home by relatives. They arrive back in Ireland sure that a better life awaits them.
Frank has to try to fit into a school where the masters hit with straps and the other children hit with feet at the new boy. He is a bright boy, and even at a very young age, has hopes to return to America and make his fortune. He puts up with the slum he lives in, never questioning why his father can't keep a job or always drinks the dole. He loves his father, dispite his many faults.
On arrival to the lanes of Limerrick, their are 4 McCourt boys. Only too soon, though, the 'consumption' has claimed the lives of his twin brothers. He doesn't understand why they had to go to heaven, but prays that he won't have to go too.
The family is kept going by the fierce love of their mother. Angela begs from the Saint Vincent de Paul for clothes and furniture, and from the priests for food. She never gives in to despair, and instills a great pride in her children.
Angela's Ashes takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride through the life of this young boy. I laughed at his achievements and cried at his defeats. The book is written from the heart, and with every word written, you feel closer to Frank. Hoping that he will find his dreams, praying that his life will get better.
I won't spoil a great story by telling how it all pans out. Suffice to say that it is well worth the read. When you pick the book up, you won't want to leave it down again until the last page is turned.
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Sep 5th, 2001
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