The Guts
A Novel
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4.1 • 8 Ratings
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Jimmy Rabbitte of The Commitments returns in the triumphant new novel from the Booker Prize–winning author of Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
Full of the great joy in storytelling that characterizes Roddy Doyle’s novels, The Guts catches up with Jimmy Rabbitte—the man who in the 1980s formed the Commitments, a band composed of working-class Irish youths whose mission was to bring soul music to Dublin. Jimmy is now forty-seven, with a loving wife, four kids . . . and colon cancer. The news leaves him shattered and frightened—he isn’t dying, he thinks, but he might be. As he battles his illness while running a small music business, he runs into former bandmates, reunites with his brother, and decides to live more in the moment. The Guts is a warm, funny novel about friendship and family, about facing death and opting for life.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Jimmy Rabbitte, the former manager of Ireland’s most dysfunctional soul band, has done well for himself. In Roddy’s Doyle’s new novel—a follow-up to 1987’s The Commitments, which inspired a rollicking movie adaptation—Rabbitte is a happy family man and a successful entrepreneur who gives aging Celtic rockers a second chance at fame. But life is about to deal Rabbitte a serious blow, and only time will tell if he himself will get his own second chance. Doyle’s bighearted novel will charm both fans of his previous books and those who are reading his fiction for the first time. The Irish author once again demonstrates his formidable talent for writing sharp, funny, and beautifully authentic dialogue and creating characters that are genuine, lovable, and full of love.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This sequel to Doyle's The Commitments finds Jimmy Rabbitte approaching 50 and facing all the standard challenges of middle age, with four kids and a wife. However, when Rabbitte is diagnosed with cancer, he is sent down a path of physical and mental recovery as he reconnects with his band members, his family, and himself. Narrator Kinlan's performance makes this audiobook more enjoyable than the print edition. He reads in a strong Irish accent throughout, especially when characters are speaking, making this audio edition colorful and engaging. Kinlan's voice also has a weariness to it that capture's Rabbitte's character. Additionally, he constructs distinct and believable voices for the cast of characters. A Viking hardcover.
Customer Reviews
Great read
Such a treat to meet up again with Jimmy Rabbitte ( The Commitments). He's much older and just found out he has cancer. He has to deal with telling family, getting through treatment, and returning to regular life. He struggles in Jimmy fashion, and does not disappoint us.