I was epecting something a little more politically polemic or bleak, but this account is hysterically funny and inspired. Behan's writing is always vital, his grasp of dialogue perfect, but this novel enjoys a pacing brilliance I dared not hope from a playwright. Most dramatists have trouble with narrative prose because the rhythms are different, but not so with this account of his jail time as an adolescent in England.

I'm an avid reader and can't believe I overlooked this book for so long. Perhaps I dismissed Behan as a professional Irishman, known more for his carousing than for his writing. What a mistake! This memoir is profound, profane, funny and, ultimately, humane. Read this book now; you're in for a treat.

Borstal Boy makes me laugh out loud and also reminds me of my time in the British Royal Navy. One of the young Brendan Behan's fellow prisoners in the English young peoples' prison is a sailor named Charlie. The book shows some of the horrors of prison life but also a lot of the camaraderie that goes on whenever boys get together. Brendan Behan is very humorous, especially when writing about his court appearances, and when he's singing in prison. His descriptive language is brilliant, this from the first page, "A young one, with a blonde, Herrenvolk head and a B.B.C. accent shouted, 'I say, greb him, the bestud.' I have read this book at least four times, and will continue to be entertained by the wit and skill of the author. GREAT READ!!!

This is the most humane story I have read regarding the violence, fear, and unwavering love of placeand community that so largely defines Northern Island in the last third of this century. Ten years ago I chose this book off the shelf, without knowing anything about it or the author. I read the book on a Saturday and was so amazed by it I re-read it again the next day. A week later I read it again and have read it perhaps 10 times over the years. The story of a grandfather faced to make a terrible decision is a simple plot but a complex question. And the dual love of family and Place enrich this story of how compassion overrides criminality. I would also recommend anything else written by Benedict Kiely, for his ability to Put The Reader In Northern Ireland.

Benedict Kiely's novel, Proxopera, is a story of a man faced with an impossible decision: drive a bomb into his beloved town for the IRA or his family will be killed. Other stories have been written along this line, yes, but not like this. His novel describes this horrible situation in a hauntingly poetic way. It also paints the ugly picture of the modern Provisionals. This book is essential to anyone who explores Republicanism or the situation in modern Ireland. It is also a example of exceptional writing.

Fantastic! Casey is perhaps the most under rated Irish historian. Make sure to check out his other books as well!

Benedict Kiely, born in Co. Tyrone and now living in Dublin for over 60 years, turned 80 in August 1999. "There Was an Ancient House" tells the story of a young man's struggle with other novices trying to conform to the religious life. Kiely, Ireland's finest novelist, writes with humor, honesty and clear, lyrical prose. It is a classic novel.

Note: This "review" is the only way I can find to communicate with you that Ben (a great friend) has just had published two new books:

"The Waves Behind Us" (Metheun) is the second volume of his memoirs. The first volume, "Drink to the Bird" came out in 1996.

The second book, "A Raid into Dark Corners" (Cork University) is a compilation of 26 of his essays written over the past years on various Irish authors from George Moore to Sean O'Faolain to Seamus Heaney. The title of the book is from a definition Heaney gave to poetry, which he likened to "a raid into dark corners."

I bring this latter book to your attention because some weeks ago you had listed "Of Clay Gods and Men" which was the title of this book of essays by Wolfhound Press. That deal fell through and Cork University published it as "A Raid..."

Ben is an extraordinary writer and I hope this information will enable you to list his complete works. Thank you very much.