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A Star Called Henry

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About this listen

Born in the slums of Dublin in 1901, his father a one-legged whore-house bouncer and settler of scores, Henry Smart has to grow up fast. By the time he can walk he's out robbing, begging, often cold, always hungry, but a prince of the streets. At 14, already six-foot-two, Henry's in the General Post Office on Easter Monday 1916, a soldier in the Irish Citizen Army, fighting for freedom. A year later he's ready to die for Ireland again, a rebel, a Fenian and soon, a killer. With his father's wooden leg as his weapon, Henry becomes a republican legend, one of Michael Collins' boys, a cop killer, an assassin on a stolen bike.

An historical novel like none before it, A Star Called Henry marks a new chapter in Roddy Doyle's writing. It is a vastly more ambitious book than any he has written before. A subversive look behind the legends of Irish republicanism, at its centre a passionate love story, this is a triumphant work of fiction.

©1999 Roddy Doyle; (P)1999 Random House Audiobooks
Historical Fiction Fiction

Critic reviews

"This is a radical departure for Doyle, and a stunning success." (Amazon.co.uk)
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What a story! and brilliantly narrated by the author himself. I would thoroughly recommend this audiobook. The story is captivating and the characters are life size.

5 Stars! Amazing

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A pleasure to listen to , would higly recommend. Roddy Doyle at his finest! beautifully read by the author.

a must!

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Loved this book the first time I read it! Even better listening to Mr Doyle himself, read it to me!

Infatuated

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Drank up every word and finished within a day. Doyle's mix colloquial voice and serious subject matter are perfectly balanced.

Beautifully told.

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read it at one sitting. powerful. poetic. poignant. beautiful . cant wait to read more

riveting

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