Monday, July 20, 2009

In Memory of Frank McCourt

I came across his book while searching for a work on poverty for my grade 12 class. At the time I didn't know that I was to embark on reading a book that would have such an impact on me for years to come. Angela's Ashes is the autobiography of Frank McCourt, an Irish boy, born in America to a Protestant father and a Catholic mother. McCourt's book wasn't simply a description of his poor childhood, but rather a brilliant critique of culture and religion and the contradictions they bring about in society. His honesty brought him much criticism and made him an outcast in his own city. McCourt continued his great tale with 'Tis and finally by Teacher Man. I can't say much about his books because whatever I say I won't do them justice. I have re-read his books several times, and enjoyed reading them every single time. Maybe it's his sense of humour mixed in with the tragic moments of his life, or maybe it's his shear honesty. Whatever it was Frank McCourt will be remembered by many, and his story will live on, reminding us of how harsh poverty is and how good we have it.

Rest in peace Frank.

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9 Comments:

  • At 7/22/2009 4:05 PM, Anonymous Isobel said…

    Omar, I only saw the movie - never read the book. I can't say much about the man himself, but hearing from others who read his works, he made quite a positive impression. Through his words he will live on.

     
  • At 7/23/2009 8:52 AM, Blogger Dubai Jazz said…

    Thanks for posting this, Omar.

    I love Frank McCourt. I had the pleasure of attending a session with him in a literary festival; and he's even more fun in person. Smart, entertaining, never out of stories. A little cynical, perhaps, as most long term educator are wont to become.

    I got his autograph on my copy of Angela's Ashes. What an amazing book.

    RIP teacher man.

     
  • At 7/23/2009 9:04 PM, Blogger x said…

    Isobel if you were to read one book of his try 'Tis. Not sure why I find such pleasure in reading it. If you do let me know and we can discuss it ;)

    DJ, glad to find another fan on the Syrian blogosphere. I actually put my name on Tickmaster's website to get a notification if he ever came by Canada, but unfortunately he never made it here before his death. Frame the book man, I sure would.

     
  • At 7/28/2009 4:47 PM, Anonymous Isobel said…

    Thanks, Omar. I'll add it to my reading list!! Its rather extensive...my list...but I'll get to it one of these days! :)

     
  • At 7/31/2009 12:51 PM, Anonymous Rime said…

    Count me as a fan as well, although I only read Angela's Ashes and it suffocated me and embraced me and made me obsessed for weeks after I finished it. There are some descriptions I have never forgotten, including what a loaf of bread means to so many people.

    Thanks for this Omar.

     
  • At 8/06/2009 10:26 PM, Blogger Gabriela said…

    Hello Omar:
    I came directly from Isobel's blog.
    I've read both Angela´s ashes and 'Tis, and I can't really say which one I prefer. They are both so unforgettable books.
    There is a popular book by a Brazilian author (but most probably read by every student in Peru): in original Portuguese title is O meu pé de laranja lima (My plant of orange-lime), by José Mauro de Vasconcelos. His style and McCourt´s are very much alike: childhood in poverty, family issues, first person narration. If you find it, read it!
    If you allow me, I'll be "taking a walk" around.
    Saludos desde el Perú.

     
  • At 8/06/2009 10:42 PM, Blogger x said…

    Rime, glad to know we have similar taste :) The story really opened up my eyes. It breaks my hear to know that although Frank's story had a happy ending, the stories of many others do not.

    Gabriela.. first of all hola! Thanks for coming by, I always read your lovely comments on abufares' blog and I'm ecstatic at having you here. I read some reviews on amazon, and the book sounds like a must read. I have to find a copy at local library, since it seems like its out of print.

     
  • At 8/07/2009 10:34 AM, Blogger Gabriela said…

    Thanks for the warm welcome.
    I hope you may find the book. If you are a reader (you sound like one), I suggest you my favorite book of all times: To kill a mockingbird. I have read it so many times I almost know it by heart! :D
    And by Peruvian authors, Conversation in The Cathedral - Mario Vargas Llosa.

     
  • At 8/11/2009 4:00 PM, Anonymous Theresa said…

    Frank McCourt takes us on a journey with his finely picked use of words. We feel sadness, desperation, hope and go into fits of laughter all along the way to the end of reading Angela's Ashes.. I read it myself a few years ago and my 15 year old daughter enjoyed it as well. He was a wonderful writer.

     

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