Fork in the Road

I recently spent a weekend reading this book. I made time for eating and sleeping, but not much else. I haven't read something in a while that so satisfied all of the reasons I like to read: I read to laugh and this book has some amazing one-two punches that had me laughing uproariously. I also read to find heart and this book is full of heart, these characters are complicated, made up of all the broken pieces that drain us and all the warm qualities that make us human. I read to find the truth, or someone's own version of it, and this book is very true to its characters. These characters are three dimensional and more, so complicated that you're never sure which direction they're going to take.This story buoyed me up yet broke my heart at the same time. Denis Hamill has written a fine book, let's hope the movie people don't screw it up. It'll be damn near impossible to put Gina Furey on the screen, but I wish them a lot of luck as she is an incredible character.

It's been a week since I finished this book, and it's still in my mind every day. One of the best books I have ever read, period. I was mouthing aloud the Irish street dialogue as I was reading to savor it. So authentic. No one can accuse Hamill of shallow characters either; Gina Furey is only the most unforgettable character I have ever come across in fiction.But this novel isn't merely a character study - it's also a tragedy, a love story, and bits of lough-out-loud hilarity.The one warning, however, is that if you're offended by foul language, it'd be a good idea to stay away. I'm not offended by it at all, and believe it necessary in fact, as these characters would surely speak like this if it were reality.The highest praise I can give this book is that I'm now reading it again, more slowly and carefully this time. That's something I've never done with any book.

This is the best book I have read this year.The insights into the travellers' life in Ireland were fascinating. The emotional side of the story was handled in a very realistic way. Unlike many "love stories" the characters in this book are not all good or all evil - they have faults and flaws which do not magically disappear in order to have a "happy ending". I look forward eagerly to the next book from this gifted author.

I really liked this book. There were parts that made me wince, there were parts that made me sad, there were parts that made me laugh out loud. You find yourself wanting to shake the protagonist, make him see some sense. You find yourself wanting to talk to the characters, help them figure out the messes they're in. You're drawn into the book, absorbed by the issues and problems, swallowed by the circumstances that surround the two lovers.As a part-Irish American, married to an Irish-Canadian, I was fascinated by the slice of Irish life presented in this book. The realities of life for the Irish Travelers are so far different from those we Americans experience! Hamill illuminates these people with an unflinching glance at their lives (assuming his descriptions are true), and lets us see how a dismal childhood can affect one's entire life.All in all this book is a great read. I found it hard to put it down, and when I did, I wanted to be reading it to see what was going happen. It's not the most uplifting book I've ever read, but certainly captures ones attention and holds it to the bitter end.

I read this book on a flight to Hawaii. Much as I wanted to sleep, i couldn't put it down. I felt like I was watching a very good mystery/love story. The suspence kept me turning the pages. This author has mastered the Irish manner and voice. I instantly got attached to all the characters. The family of travelers was as bizarre as any Felini cast. So many emotions were explored throughout the chapters. The juxtaposition of Ireland and New York was fascinating. There was never a dull moment.