Hard Life: With an Introduction by Jamie O'Neill - Softcover

Two orphaned boys, Manus and Finbarr, descend into the house of the disputatious Mr. Collopy. This is a tale of growing up in the midst of eccentricity: of Mr. Collopy's mysterious humanitarian work on behalf of women; of his progressive-sounding (and often blasphemous) arguments with his priest, Father Fahrt. Manus quickly proves himself a master of business, teaching people by post to walk the tightrope in Edwardian Dublin. He soon dispatches Collopy on a trip to Rome, seeking relief from the unexpected effects of his eldest charge's attempts at pharmaceuticals. Finbarr, meanwhile, watches and waits, a young boy with only the foggiest notion of the world he is describing...

Flann O'Brien is the pseudonym of Brian O'Nolan who was born in Co. Tyrone in 1911. He lived in Dublin with his wife until his death in 1966. A graduate of University College, his career as a writer extended from his student days, through his years in the Civil Service and the years following his resignation. His novels include AT SWIM-TWO-BIRDS, THE DALKEY ARCHIVE, THE HARD LIFE, THE THIRD POLICEMAN and THE POOR MOUTH.