Title: An Irishman by Now: An American Boy’s Tale of Passion and Discovery in Rural Ireland
Author: R. Michael McEvilley
Publisher: Go To Publish
ISBN: 978-1-64749-666-1
Pages: 305
Genre: Contemporary, Coming-of-Age, Romance
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
An Irishman by Now: An American Boy’s Tale of Passion and Discovery in Rural Ireland is an introspective coming-of-age tale by R. Michael McEvilley. Mickey Monaghan grows up on a family farm in Ireland, after relocating from the United States with his adopted parents, a pair of eccentric and aloof characters. His childhood is far from pleasant and he longs to have a stable job. As a child, he stops two bullies from attacking a 6-year-old girl, Caitlyn, creating a long-term friendship between them.
As Mickey comes of age, Caitlin and the local priest, Father McDermott, increasingly worry about his philandering lifestyle that has become the talk of the town. His latest stint with a married woman and a murder case at his neck, fan the flames of his reputation further. Only when Mickey opens up on his past and secrets are unveiled, does he find healing and true love.
An Irishman by Now: An American Boy’s Tale of Passion and Discovery in Rural Ireland encompasses one man’s journey in finding the one thing he truly needs the most. It is a story that delves into the deep insight of morality, purpose, and sense of place. Author R. Michael McEvilley showcases the unforeseeable depth that human beings go to in an attempt to unconsciously search for healing; sometimes in the wrong places.
I appreciated the creativity of the author in weaving a narrative which defies the usual romance fiction tale of boy meets girl, girl waits for the boy to change, both get married. Instead, the author gives Caitlyn space to develop in her own right away from the main protagonist, Mickey. Further, McEvilley’s prose creates an intelligent setting and a remarkable backdrop for his absorbing story. I liked how the well-crafted dialogues between the characters, especially Caitlyn and Father McDermott, feel natural and remain revelatory.
Perhaps one of the book’s greatest strengths is its suitable pace that allows the main character, Mickey, to recognize his flaws and confront his past, thus leading to his inner healing. An Irishman by Now: An American Boy’s Tale of Passion and Discovery in Rural Ireland by R. Michael McEvilley is a slice-of-life story that will appeal to readers who love character-driven stories oozing with warmth and interpersonal conflicts.