Surprising that there's not a review of this book, which was, only a few weeks ago, featured on the cover of the Times Book Review. Deservedly so, in my opinion. Mr. Bolger, of whom I wasn't familiar, can write as well as John Banville, though with less flamboyance. This novel, also published by the University of Texas press, is a gritty look at life in Ireland as seen through the eyes of a young man. A glimpse of the end is shown on the first page; flashbacks are skillfully woven throughout. Hano, we eventually learn, is abused by an older man. He later loses his best friend. A thriller of sorts, since murder is involved. Darkly sad most of the time, but also intensely vivid in its descriptions of people and places, the part of Ireland tourist rarely see. Well worth reading.