The Dead Republic

A Novel

By: Roddy Doyle

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Booker Prize winner Roddy Doyle shines with this epic conclusion to the saga of his indomitable Irish rebel Henry Smart. Chronicling nearly 25 years of history, The Dead Republic finds Smart working closely with, then violently severing ties to, legendary Hollywood director John Ford and eventually returning to Ireland in the 1950s. Desiring a quiet retired life in a small village north of Dublin, his life is further thrown into tumult by IRA uprisings and a surprising reunion with a woman who may just be his long-lost wife.

©2010 Roddy Doyle (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Good story made better by a great performance

What did you love best about The Dead Republic?

This story is told from a first person perspective. Between the writing style and the narration it's easy to be drawn in and begin seeing the chapters as if looking through the weathered, weary eyes of Henry Smart.

Any additional comments?

Initially I was a bit turned off by the voice and narration style of Gerard Doyle. It didn't take long for me to recognize how well suited he is to tell the story of Henry Smart. After finishing the book, I can't imagine anyone else who could have done justice to this story and this character.