In the Castle of the Flynns

"In the Castle of the Flynns" is a novel that deals with the life-shattering changes a young orphan must adjust to after the death of his parents. When Daniel Dorsey's parents are killed in a car crash, he is taken in by his grandparents and raised by them along with various aunts and uncles, his whole extended Irish immigrant family. The story is set in Chicago during the 1950s, a time when innocence was on the cusp of being lost in an ever-changing city.Michael Raleigh paints a vivid picture of young Danny's life. At age seven, he is an intrepid narrator, eagerly questioning everyone about life. At the same time, however, he is also suffering from losing his parents and his fears that all those whom he loves will be taken away from him as well. During these times the reader recognizes the adult voice in Danny - his childlike perceptions of the adults who populate his world are spiced with the wisdom only age can bring."In the Castle of the Flynns" is a well-written novel, that often reads as a collection of vignettes involving the Flynns and the Dorseys. Raleigh's characters are realistically voiced and believable. The reader is immediately wrapped up in the happenings of this eclectic Irish-Catholic family who never lose sight of what young Danny needs. At times laugh-out-loud funny, at others bittersweet with sentiment, "In the Castle of the Flynns" is a thoroughly enjoyable read about the bonds of love and family.

"In The Castle Of The Flynns" is what other Irish writers have strived to write in this decade of Irish fiction and non-fiction. "...Castle..." is joyous and ebullient, and a wonderful read. Danny Dorsey, orphaned suddenly, is taken in by his relatives. All of them. In this subtly hilarious and often poignant account of the summer of 1954, we see his new family through his eyes...to great effect. Reading "...Castle..." was like reliving my own childhood in a large Irish family...a wonderful journey that I would do again and again if Michael Raleigh could be the tour guide every time.

I love this book! I don't even have the right words to fully explain how wonderful this story is. I found myself laughing out loud and needing to read parts to my family. Just like a real family, there were sad parts too, and parts that made me examine my own life events and choices. The ending was masterfully done. It brought everything full circle around. As I read the last two lines, I gasped and my eyes filled up with tears....not because of some shocking end, but at how beautifully the author said it. I don't recall that ever happening to me before while reading. The book was SO well written.

This book is so true to life. It highlights the humor in theeveryday personalities and events of family life to the point you will be in tears with laughter. One of the best books I've ever read.

WOW...this was a great book. It was an easy read and simply delightful with the humorous situations that (working with children/families each day) I can only attest to being true to life. It also captured the sad secrets of families and how difficult childhoods can make us who we are. I simply loved this book and am recommending it to everyone...great for a travel book, it offers enough to keep your attention while still being enjoyable and refeshing. Don't miss it! I would love to see it in a movie!!!