McCabe shows off his softer side as Francie returns

Book review: The Big Yaroo, by Patrick McCabe (New Island, €14.95)

Pat McCabe’s new novel is a belated sequel to his breakout hit The Butcher Boy. Picture: Bryan Meade

Francie Brady is back. Confined to a mental hospital, Patrick McCabe‘s most famous character starts creating a magazine, The Big Yaroo, an homage to his comic-obsessed childhood. When not working in a makeshift office, he is assailed by memories of his tortured past and the fact that his life has been largely wasted. Still, his unfavourable circumstances don't stop him from finding the good where he can get it. And, at any rate, he’s planning ...