Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt :: English Literature

Book Review Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt I read the book Angela's Ashes and I was truly amazed that it was true. I love reading about the old days and this is a book about Frank McCourt (the author) misfortunes during his childhood in Limerick, Ireland. It is sad at times and you can’t think "this is only a book" but still the best read in a long time. Angela's Ashes is written from the perspective of Angela's first-born son, Francis McCourt, the author of the novel. Angela and her husband, Malachy, are both born and raised in Ireland and emmigrate to America where they meet and marry. Angela gives birth to four sons, Francis, Malachy Jr. and twins, Eugene and Oliver. Angela also has a daughter, Margaret. The McCourts return to Ireland with their children after the grief they are struck by when young Margaret dies from malnutrition and tuberculosis. When in Limerick, the McCourts are welcomed by neither family nor the neighbours. Angela's insensitive mother tosses them out on the streets declaring she has no room for them in her house. They were forced to find a poor shack where fleas feasted on their skin while sleeping at night. Being from the despised Northern Ireland, Malachy finds it hard to find a job and when he does he drinks away his wages leaving the family destitute. After finally settling into the neighbourhood in Ireland, Angela loses Oliver and Eugene to tuberculosis and the fever. Unable to cope, Angela forces Malachy Jr. and Francis to spend much of their time outdoors while she rests. Angela has two more boys, Michael and Alfie. Malachy is unable to support his family and Angela is often left to beg from charities in order to keep her family alive. Francis is neglected by his parents and many of the Irish people. As he grows older he deepens his understanding of sex and involves himself in sexual acts, which he later regrets. His religion makes him feel extremely guilty for these "dirty" acts. He begins to take on many more responsibilities such as living with his uncle away from his family and finding work in order to support himself. This novel grabs a hold of you and pulls you into the story, forcing you to feel what it's like to live in the slums. Although McCourt lived a very rough life he managed to pull out a few humorous scenes in his story.