Reviews for The Scottish Chiefs

The average rating for The Scottish Chiefs based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2013-12-01 00:00:00 Jim Karey I don't know when Irish literature took a somber, negative, depressing turn, but "The Infomer" is a classic of that genre. Brilliantly written, the story of big, clumsy, Gypo Nolan who "informs" on his best childhood and adult pal and the consequences of this horrible act of betrayal. That's all I can say without giving up the story. By the way, I believe that "Gypo" is short for Gypsy, or a disreputable person, so probably pronounced like "Jippo." It s a short read and well worth the small but emotional effort it takes to read. It has to be one of the great novels of Irish, and English, literature. After reading some of the reviews it is possible that you have to be Irish to understand the book; others seem to think it unreal. It was, and is, real! Get used to it!

Review # 2 was written on 2017-09-10 00:00:00 Jewel Spears 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.