This is a novel about life. About death. About memories. About the future. About faith. And the loss of it. About truth. And lies. And secrets. And most of all about the relationships that bind us to one another.

This book is essentially the written form of an Irish Catholic wake. Billy Lynch, beloved by many, dies. The story opens with the luncheon in Queens, New York that follows his funeral and continues through the next two days. But the heart and spirit of the book are in the flashbacks about Billy's life--ordinary in so many ways and extraordinary in others (just like all of us?).

Author Alice McDermott, who is one of my very favorites, has created a book that will make you laugh and cry and puzzle about the mysteries of life--just as her characters do. As the story progresses, more layers are revealed--like a closed flower that opens up--each adding plot reverberations and complexity to what happened before. It's a masterful way to tell a tale!

Hint: Pay close attention to the first chapter, which is the funeral luncheon. You might even want to reread it a second time before continuing with the book. So much is in there! And it leads to everything else in the book.

Charming Billy is an enchanting book, a man loved by everyone driving himself to alcoholism. Is wonderful wife Mauve who has been there all the way for him. He was an aspiring Poet and loved being with his many friends. He made his living working in a Shoe Store! But the Alcohol had ruined his life and the lives of the people around him. His brother and best friend Dennis, often took care of Billy during those late nights, listening to his phone calls at 3 am. A kind man who would pick up the tiniest piece of paper to write his friends and family a note

I found this book in a 2nd hand store in Gladstone, New South Wales (Australia). The owner of the store said a friend had sent it to her from America. I read it and it reminded me of my alcoholic and dysfunctional uncles who have passed away, while we who are left behind piece together the memories. I gave it to my mother to read who in turn gave it to a friend. It's a melancholy read, though disarmingly frank and genuinely compassionate. This writer has a true gift.

Wasn't able to get past page 50

I kept hoping it would get better and read all the way to the end. It didn't get better and I wasted my time.

Marilyn Bonano
The premise for this novel seems out of sync initially. We are at a funeral, Billy is gone and can't defend himself from the memories others have of him. Chilling thought for the live reader. But, Billy was loved by many for different reasons. And Maeve, his wife, and Dennis, his best friend, help us to know him. I loved McDermott's characters. She made them real. She has such a gift for language and settings. I want to read through all her books now.