The Gospel According to Blindboy

Sunday Business Post Book of the Year Blindboy Boatclub is one half of the Rubberbandits, Irelands foremost satirist and now the talented author of a collection of brilliant short stories and visual art. Published to critical acclaim, his first collection is powered by big themes and even bigger ideas. There are stories about a van fuelled by Cork peoples accents, Tipperarys first ISIS recruit, a sexually aggressive banshee and a fridge dragged heroically through the streets of Limerick. The Gospel According to Blindboy questions and challenges the complacencies and contradictions at the heart of modern Ireland. Whip-smart, provocative and animated by his unmistakable dark wit, it is one of the most original collections of short stories to emerge in recent years. Mad, wild, hysterical, and all completely under the writers control this is a brilliant debut. Kevin Barry There is genius in this book, warped genius. Like youd expect from a man who for his day job wears a plastic bag on his head but something beyond that too. Oddly in keeping with the tradition of great Irish writers. Russell Brand If youve ever witnessed (theres no other word for it) a Rubberbandits video youll be anxious (theres no other word for it) to read this collection of short stories from one of the originators. I hesitate to use the word author as the experience is as close to reading a traditional short story as being burnt by a blow torch. Essential, funny and disturbing. Danny Boyle One of Irelands finest and most intelligent comic minds delivers stories so blisteringly funny and sharp your fingers might bleed. In language so delicious you can taste it, were shown holy and unholy Ireland: a land of lock-ins, nettle stings, stone-mad Cork birds, gas cunts and Guineys jeans. No one is safe we all have the unmerciful piss ripped out of us and theres no escape from the emotional gut punches, expertly dealt. Tara Flynn Demented, dishevelled and deeply surreal - Blindboy Boatclub's book will shock and delight. Irish Independent It's not for the faint-hearted. Joe.ie You wont be disappointed. It will take you to places unexpected. Ryan Tubridy