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This is in large part due to the fact that her husband, Redser, who falls squarely into the above-mentioned category, has died--thanks to a careless driver--just before the novel's opening pages. Our first glimpse of the pragmatic, lovable Agnes comes as she's waiting in the social services office on the afternoon of his death, determined not to lose a penny of her widow's benefits as a result of dilly-dallying. She doesn't even have the necessary death certificate yet, but that's not nearly enough to slow down Agnes Brown: "No, love, he's definitely dead. Definitely," she says to the clerk, then, turning to her friend for backup, "Isn't he, Marion?" Marion, made from the same tough stock, agrees solemnly: "Absolutely. I know him years, and I've never seen him look so bad. Dead, definitely dead!" The scene is emblematic: Agnes knows how to fight, and she isn't afraid to do it. Her deadpan humor becomes a hallmark.
As for her children, they get into the usual trouble--fights, girl problems, and the like. But there are also some charming, unexpected episodes in the book. For example, Agnes's oldest child meets a Jewish man and performs small tasks for him on the Sabbath, which eventually leads to greater goods. Among other things, Mark learns about the Jewish faith, new knowledge he accepts with bemusement and some of his mother's innocence and good humor. Upon hearing that the man doesn't celebrate Christmas, he exclaims: "Will yeh go on outta that! How can yeh not believe in something when it's real?"
The book is not without its share of tragedy, but Agnes takes it all with aplomb. She's clearly the glue that binds her pack of youngsters together: "The rule in the Browne family was: 'You hit one, you hit seven.' Since March twenty-ninth and Redser's demise, little had changed in the Browne house. If anything, the house was less tense." The Mammy is a slight book--it tells the simple, fairly conventional tale of a single Irish family--but it makes up for its gaps with humanity, in the same way Agnes Browne makes up for what she and her children lack. --Melanie Rehak
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The first book in the Agnes Browne trilogyAgnes Browne is a widow of only a few hours when she goes to the Social Welfare Office. Living in James Larkin Flats, with Redsers' legacy - seven little Brownes - to support on the income from her Moore Street stall, she can't afford to miss a day's pension. Life is like that for Agnes and her best pal Marion. But they still have time for a laugh and a jar, and Agnes even has a dream - that one day she will dance with Cliff Richard.The Mammy describes the life and times, the joys and sorrows of Agnes, mother of the famous Mrs. Browne's Boys from the daily radio soap. A book of hilarious incidents, glorious characters, and a passion for life, it is written with a sure touch and great ear for dialogue.'Hilarious and irreverent. A must-read.' Gabriel Byrne Book 1: The Agnes Browne Trilogy THE MAMMY describes the joys and sorrows of Agnes, mother of the famous Mrs. Browne's Boys from the daily radio soap. A book of hilarious incidents, glorious characters, and a passion for life. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781847173225
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9781847173225
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 001008
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. BRAND NEW ** SUPER FAST SHIPPING FROM UK WAREHOUSE ** 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Seller Inventory # 9781847173225-GDR
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 2nd revised edition edition. 176 pages. 7.56x4.65x0.55 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __1847173225
Book Description Condition: New. 2011. 2nd Edition. Paperback. Book 1: The Agnes Browne Trilogy THE MAMMY describes the joys and sorrows of Agnes, mother of the famous Mrs. Browne's Boys from the daily radio soap. A book of hilarious incidents, glorious characters, and a passion for life. Num Pages: 176 pages. BIC Classification: FA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 196 x 131 x 12. Weight in Grams: 134. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9781847173225
Book Description Condition: New. 2011. 2nd Edition. Paperback. Book 1: The Agnes Browne Trilogy THE MAMMY describes the joys and sorrows of Agnes, mother of the famous Mrs. Browne's Boys from the daily radio soap. A book of hilarious incidents, glorious characters, and a passion for life. Num Pages: 176 pages. BIC Classification: FA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 196 x 131 x 12. Weight in Grams: 134. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9781847173225
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Book 1: The Agnes Browne Trilogy THE MAMMY describes the joys and sorrows of Agnes, mother of the famous Mrs. Browne's Boys from the daily radio soap. A book of hilarious incidents, glorious characters, and a passion for life. Seller Inventory # B9781847173225
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