Angela’s Ashes

A paperback copy of this book has been in my library for several years, unread until a few months ago. It looked like a depressing read just from the front cover of a grubby, sad boy, taken from a still of the movie made from the book. It is a memoir written by Frank McCourt (1930-2009) beginning with his earliest memories in New York City, his family’s move to Ireland and his growing up there until he returns to America. His father Malachy is a kind hearted but hopeless alcoholic who can’t keep a job. His long suffering mother Angela is eventually reduced to doing whatever she has to to keep her family alive when Malachy leaves for work in England during World War Two. He does not send any money back to his family and eventually word reaches them that he is still drinking up whatever money he manages to make. There is much humor spread throughout the misery as Frank recounts his struggles with his faith, dealing with colorful relatives and neighbors, surviving sadistic school masters and eventually discovering girls. His tone throughout is matter of fact and even, allowing readers to evaluate the people and situations for themselves. He won a Pulitzer Prize for the book and wrote two follow up memoir’s titled ‘Tis and Teacher Man, neither of which I have read. The movie made about the book got mixed reviews, and I don’t think I will watch it because I don’t want it to tamper with the characters in the book as I envision them. While much of the subject matter is grim, most pages brought out at least a chuckle from this reader. It could be the pathos the book evokes is what won it that prize.