Oh, Play That Thing

"Oh, Play That Thing," is the followup to "A Star Called Henry" and is entirely complementary to the first part of this three part trilogy. I can't wait for part 3. The characters in these first two parts of the trilogy are unique but oh so fitting to the best (and worst) of Irish and American cultures and mythology. Love the tie in with Louis Armstrong, New York, Chicago, and other places (not to spoil the story before you read it). Roddy Doyle has a great ear and ability to write dialogue fitting of places and time. He combines the toughness of life with the greatness of life in people who live it fully and then some. Really enjoyed this book, and before it A Star Called Henry and can't wait for the next and final in the trilogy.

Yes, 'Oh, Play That Thing' is different than 'A Star Called Henry'. It shows Henry during the next 20 or so years of his life but frequently references events from the first book. I don't agree with people getting upset about the change in Henry's personality - no one's (hopefully) the same when they're 30 as they were when they were 15; people grow and change and that is what Doyle has shown in 'Oh, Play That Thing'. It has been said that Henry isn't as likable in this book as he was in the first, but I didn't find that to be true. Coming from the background he did and living through some of the most tumultuous events of the early 20th century, it's only to be expected that he would develop some degree of a hardened exterior and put up some sort of protective barrier between himself and others. I loved it and can't wait for the third one!

I purchased this book on the recommendation of another author (in her review of her book she said her writing was influenced by the author). "Oh, Play that Thing" takes place in the 20's and through the dust bowl disaster, The main character is a savvy Irish immigrant who has landed at Ellis Island to start a new life in NYC. The author's way of writing is like a stream of thoughts and words. Reading the first few pages, I wasn't sure I liked the book, but as I got into the head and life of the Irish man, I got into the rhythm of his thoughts and the way the writing in the book worked so well. I found the story fascinating and the beat of time and his life very hypnotizing. How Roddy Doyle, the author, manages to insert a famous celebrity into the mix and engage you in the story is entirely successful, and I couldn't put it down.

I enjoyed this book for the most part, in a couple of areas it was a little slow. I enjoyed his adventures in getting into America, finding and working in New York. Then having to move on to Chicago finding music, old friends and other villans. There are some "flash backs" simularities between Henry Smart and his father from the previous book A Star Called Henry. There is another book in this Triology The Last Roundup which I plan to read as well.

Although I read and thoroughly enjoyed "A Star Called Henry"as well as all of Doyle's other novels;I was not aware that this new novel was part of a trilogy,"The Last Roundup".What a surprise I got when I saw it sitting there on the bookshelf recently.Not only that,by chance,I found that Roddy was doing a reading and discussion at the University of Toronto on Sept.27,2004.Of course,I attended and what a treat!He signed two of my books and had pictures taken. His new book is great and full of surprises.He is a master at blending history and fiction.His writing style leaves one in wonderment.He uses words,sentence structure,phrases,etc.like a painter uses oils and brushes to create pictures on canvas.You will see what I mean by simply filpping through a few pages. He writes about life in the US as masterfully as he does about Ireland.In many ways, he reminds me of Steinbeck, Erskine Caldwell and Larry McMurtry.Also like them,no two novels are the same;except for being excellent. There are some great lines hidden amongst the storyline of this novel,ie; "He was Louis Armstrong's white man." John Mc Cormack;"The voice that bridged the Atlantic." "You've got to speculate to accumulate." Referring to the Depression--"No colored man ever jumped out of a window 'cos his pockets went empty on him.Wouldn't be enough room on the sidewalk." "And brother,were I'm from is not the question.It,s where I'm going and if you're going with me." I just can't wait to hear this book on tape or DVD.On top of all this there's still another in the trilogy to look for with anticipation. Oh,by the way, the cover of the dust jacket of my copy is very different than the one shown here.Mine has a picture of a record titled "Oh,Play That Thing";pat'd Jan.21,'13.as well as what appears to be an young trumpet player--Armstrong?My copy was published by Alfred A.Knopf Canada.