Books

Book review: Searching portrayal of a murderer reflects on the truths revealed by lies

In conversation with the multifaceted Dublin socialite, heir and convicted killer Malcolm Macarthur, accomplished author Mark O’Connell unflinchingly confesses his own limitations

Malcolm Macarthur leaving the high court circa July 1983; Mark O’Connell pulled off a tremendous coup in interviewing Macarthur, with their discussions creating a framing device for the book. Picture: Getty

When a self-conception is proven false, it can feel like a death. To avoid languishing in childish fantasy, we have to let a part of us die.

One man unwilling to do so was Malcolm Macarthur. He came from a line of landed gentry, which meant he saw a life of leisure as his birthright. In 1982, Macarthur’s inheritance was running out. Threatened by having to relinquish his purely academic life, he took desperate measures ...