If you enjoy Paul Murray’s SKIPPY DIES, or THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, you will want to read THE FRACTURED LIFE OF JIMMY DICE by Ronan Ryan. Jimmy is born a twin, and while he doesn’t know it, his nearest sibling has stayed with him forever, overseeing the drama of his life played out and acting as a narrative voice.
As a young boy, aged seven, Jimmy loses a lower limb to an attack dog – the first of many disasters that shape him for the future. Jimmy is a chancer who becomes a wilful man unafraid to stand up to a notorious Dublin gangster. He’s also a young man with heart and belief: a loyal son, a good friend, a courageous brother and a sweet and passionate lover.
Part love story, part coming of age, The Fractured Life of Jimmy Dice is also the story of a life in the changing streets of Ireland, from the days of the Troubles to the boom and bust years and Dublin today.
As a young boy, aged seven, Jimmy loses a lower limb to an attack dog – the first of many disasters that shape him for the future. Jimmy is a chancer who becomes a wilful man unafraid to stand up to a notorious Dublin gangster. He’s also a young man with heart and belief: a loyal son, a good friend, a courageous brother and a sweet and passionate lover.
Part love story, part coming of age, The Fractured Life of Jimmy Dice is also the story of a life in the changing streets of Ireland, from the days of the Troubles to the boom and bust years and Dublin today.
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Reviews
An Irish epic with a potent post-millennial hum and a wave-like momentum that becomes insidiously addictive
Hugely engaging... warm, sincere and big-hearted. A wonderful debut from an Irish talent.
Expertly experimental. Ryan has talent to burn
Ryan's imaginative novel is full of adventure and told with compassion...a compelling account of a family's fortunes
An engaging coming of age story told from a truly unique perspective. The Fractured Life of Jimmy Dice is readable, thought provoking and highly entertaining
Highly experimental, the debut is well and thoughtfully written. We'll be hearing more from Ronan Ryan
Brimming with affection, wisdom and texture, this coming-of-age saga announces the 36-year-old as one of the more accomplished newcomers in Irish fiction
Ryan is a bold and brilliant new voice in Irish fiction. With a narrative that is both unique and spellbinding - he is a rising star
A brilliant debut. Edgy, fast-paced and clever . . . With his cinematic prose, Ronan Ryan takes you on many adventures which never fail to hold your attention. A fresh exciting new voice to be savoured