REVIEWS

Leitrim Observer

A Captivating Journey: Diary of a Mohill Man

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Review:

"Diary of a Mohill Man" is a literary gem that pulls you into a time gone by, immersing you in a journey of the people and characters in 1950's Mohill and Leitrim. Written with undeniable authenticity and heartfelt emotion, this book stands out as an exceptional memoir that will leave a lasting impression on readers, and reflect similarities in their own relatives of the era.

The authors, in a stroke of brilliance, craft the narrative as a personal diary, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of just one particular ordinary Mohill Man. With each entry, we are invited into his thoughts, dreams, struggles, and triumphs, creating a deep connection with the reader. The diary format lends a sense of immediacy and rawness to the storytelling, making it impossible to put the book down.

What truly sets this memoir apart is its evocative depiction of Mohill daily life. Through the vivid descriptions of the traditions and characters, the author transports us to people in the town of Mohill in the 1950's and mentions many names and families of the time. The imagery is so vivid that one can almost hear the roars on market day and the regular hustle and bustle. It is a testament to the author's ability to paint a picture with words.

But beyond the picturesque scenery, it is the journey of Paddy himself that captivates the heart. From his humble beginnings and the weight of familial expectations to his relentless pursuit of personal fulfillment, we witness his growth and transformation over the course of the diary. The struggles he faces, the relationships he forges, and the lessons he learns are all told with profound honesty and vulnerability. It is impossible not to root for him, to empathize with his joys and sorrows, and to be inspired by his resilience.

In terms of the writing style, it is both eloquent and accessible. The prose flows effortlessly, creating a seamless reading experience. The author's ability to capture emotions and convey them with utmost sincerity is commendable. The diary entries feel authentic, as if we are peering into the private thoughts of a dear friend.

"Diary of a Mohill Man" is an exceptional memoir that will leave an indelible mark on its readers. It is a heartfelt exploration of one man's journey through life, beautifully expressed through the medium of a diary.

L.Donnelly

Stories and events about the characters that inhabited Mohill , back in the 50’s& 60’s

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 23 June 2021

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Too often we live with regrets that memories of our youth were never recorded or photographed.
Today with camera phones and video recording at our fingertips nothing seems to escape and is consigned to YouTube and various other social media platforms for eternity.
Back in the 50’s 60’s and 70’s every town in Ireland was populated with characters of all sorts, shapes and sizes , their wit and humour and their eccentricity help define them and their contribution to the local

Feidhlim McAndrew

Ireland in times gone by!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 18 July 2021

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Both Paddy and Brian describe well, life as a young lad growing up in Mohill with all its characters, at a time not too long after the war, when times were tough and very different from today. Emigration to England was still an only option for many including Paddy, and not long after arriving he met Phyllis, his future wife.

The book gives us a glimpse into life growing up in Ireland during that period when unemployment was rife and England was the only option for work. Unfortunately though for many Irish immigrants, life in England was hard, as the Irish were frowned upon.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Paddy’s life story and would highly recommend it for those interested in understanding the pleasures of living life not in the fast lane!

James Reynolds

Wonderful

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 13 July 2021

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Starting secondary school in Mohill in 1983, made Mohill my second home. Mohill was always familiar to my family, as my late father frequented Mohill as a boy in the 1940's and 1950's and many from Mohill followed him to England. Mohill was where I made my friends, socialized and educated academically, socially and spiritually. I related to much in the book and it's not every book that I was able to read in a day

Mary Quinn

A fantastic reflection of Mohill and the kind of stories that it holds

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 17 June 2021

What a lovely read! Together, Paddy and Brian have put together a fantastic collection of stories that, while being personal, are also something that a lot of Leitrim people (and even those from other small Irish towns) will be able to relate to. Everyone has their stories, and hearing about Paddy's was a particularly enjoyable read.

Even if you're not from Mohill, I'm sure there's many a 'Leitrim character' in this book that will remind you of someone from your own past. Great read!