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Synopsis
Flann O'Brien's first novel is a brilliant impressionistic jumble of ideas, mythology and nonsense. Operating on many levels it incorporates plots within plots, giving full rein to O'Brien's dancing intellect and Celtic wit. The undergraduate narrator lives with his uncle in Dublin, drinks too much with his friends and invents stories peopled with hilarious and unlikely characters, one of whom, in a typical O'Brien conundrum, creates a means by which women can give birth to full-grown people. Flann O'Brien's blend of farce, satire and fantasy result in a remarkable, astonishingly innovative book.
Is At Swim-Two-Birds appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This experimental novel contains drinking culture, mature literary themes, and complex narrative techniques. The content includes adult situations and social drinking, but no graphic violence or explicit sexual content.
What to know going in
This book has no graphic violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include alcohol abuse.
Who'll love this
Sophisticated readers will be intrigued by the wildly inventive nested stories and Celtic mythology woven throughout this literary puzzle.