A debut novel that indulges its inner child

Eleanor O’Reilly writes with a deep sense of compassion and understanding

FICTION: M Is For Mammy; By Eleanor O’Reilly; Two Roads, €14.95

Eleanor O’Reilly’s debut novel opens with the plea of an exasperated husband. “Would ya ever come out from in under the stairs and go round to your sister’s or go out for a walk or do somethin’ else for God’s sake?” says Da. Ma has taken to hiding again, and no amount of pleading can get her to spring back into action. ...