Irish America: Coming Into Clover

Normally I regard sociological studies as palatable as a tongue depressor. However, this is rivetting, readable, and entertaining. Clearly my interest was piqued because it explores in comprehensive detail my ethnic group. The American Irish (or Irish Americans) will find this a very compelling and satisfying read.The book studies the Irish diaspora in the various areas of this vast country and points out how the different locations and parallel immigrations resulted in American Irish of significantly varying success, acclimation, and temperment (e.g.: San Francisco v. Chicago v. NY v. Boston). However, regardless of their differing opportunities Denzell notes the seemingly subtle but enduring culture and driving forces which endure among the American Irish -- such as a reluctance to feel secure with material success, gregariousness, and restrained demonstration of emotion. What is perhaps most interesting is that Denzell points out how most Americans, and even the American Irish, are unaware of any specifically Irish American cultural patterns,though they are pervasive and inescapable, if seemingly oblique. Reading this book I came to understand the motivations for my own behavior much better. Heretofore I thought they were simply the quirks of my own family; reading Denzell one is struck by the strength of these historic roots. While the book describes us, warts and all, it leaves the American Irish reader with a satisfying sense of comfort and pride (not that we'd ever publicly admit it).

Finally someone has captured a picture of the Irish in America that goes beyond the romantic myths portrayed in movies, TV and of course, deodorant soap and beer commercials as well as the darker myths presented by the media during the days of busing in Boston. The research for this book was extraordinary, tracing Irish influences in Chicago, San Francisco and Montana and the writing style was engaging. All my relatives are reading it.

Author Maureen Dezell has presented to her readers a comprehensive and insightful description of the Irish American experience in different geographic locations of the US, drawing on the universality of certain Irish cultural similarities and recounting the vast differences that also occur. It was fascinating to note the hard-line Boston Irish experience compared to the less difficult assimilation in New York and other cities such as Chicago and San Francisco. As a first generation Irish American, I find myself so delighted that Ms.Denzell has taken "Pen to paper" to underscore so many Irish American issues. On the one hand you have that dark Irish pride that denied the great famine and depicted Ireland as this mythical land of green and glory, captured in song as "A little bit of heaven". The other side is the tough immigration of thousands of Irish poor with no homes nor jobs, who had to endure incredible hardships in their new homeland. Issues of the Church and or course, the "curse of the drink" are addressed with a new and refreshing tone that leads one to understand that ethnic identity, although important, needs to be viewed in the context of a bigger world order.And the best is Maureen Dezell's depiction of women in this book...Read to find out!

Maureen Dezell's book is not only insightful and informative, it is absolute joy to read. Maureen has a wonderful combination of wit and candor. As a second generation Irish American, it provided me with a better understanding of my culture, my family, and myself. Finally, someone has taken an in-depth and thorough look at the important contributions of Irish Americans.

This book is a wonderful addition to understanding the Irish-American culture. Charles Morris' book on the American Catholic Church pointed to the influence of the Irish in the design and structure of the Church in the United States. Ms. Dezell, however, goes futher in exploring the culture of the community, separate from its religious identity --- although, as she notes, separating the two is all but impossible. Like most books written by journalists, the writing is effortless and a pleasure to read. In fact, I read through the entire book over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, which was rather appropriate. Having been raised in an Irish-American family, I kept finding myself amazed at the personal characteristics I have that, in all liklihood, are the product of the culture --- and not traits I have developed independently. And they are not the typical stereotypical Irish traits --- drinking, gift of the gab (although that one is pretty close); rather they are characteristics that you would not necessarily contribute to a cultural upbring. For example, the view of money in the culture --- as being simply a means to an end, the humility of the people and, my personal favorite, the continued belief that everything could all go wrong so quickly. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the role that being Irish plays in your development and philosophy, and also for anyone interested in understanding the uniqueness of the Irish American culture.