The Informer Book

Was reminded by a NYT article in today's paper on the newest Irish prime minister that I had read this book long ago. This story is a modern tragedy - the seeming futility of Frankie McPhillp's proto-IRA terrorism against the British occupiers and the ignorance and poverty of Gypo Nolan's sad, tag-along fealty to Frankie's cause that leads him to a Judas-like betrayal of his friend that costs Frankie his life. This is a really taught, spare narrative, with great character development (at least of Gypo). Even though you know the outcome from the get-go, the manner in which it unfolds, and the ultimate judgment passed on Gypo for his treason, the story grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. As someone whose ancestors (Limerick - Kerry) were crushed and nearly exterminated by Oliver Cromwell and his successors, this book plucked a deep chord and, at least for me, shed a great deal of light on why a Catholic nation like the Republic has a real issue to this day with forgiveness. Four stars because it depressed the sh*t out of me.

One final observation, the Gypo and Frankie team remind me of another tragic duo, George and Lennie of "Of Mice and Men". I know the comparison is strained and superficial, but it did kind of jump out.