The extraordinary memoir of an Irish matriarch - the Angela of ANGELA'S ASHES
Maura Murphy was born in Clonmore, County Offaly in 1928. She left school when she was 14 with 'no qualifications and fewer prospects'. She worked as a domestic servant in various houses in Dublin until she met and married John Murphy, a soldier stationed at Portobello Barracks. The couple moved to Birmingham, England in 1959 where they reared nine children. They have eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
'What makes it all bearable is the stubborn optimism of Murphy's narrative voice and her finally prevailing over circumstance and social limitations' -- Booklist 'The story of a life lived like that of so many other Irish women' -- Buffalo News 'One of the most gripping memoirs I have ever read. The dialogue is authentic and the pace is fast and engaging. Irish family members have been done to death, but I'll make an exception for this one' -- Irish Voice 'Lovely memoir of a roving life, full of dread and great affection. The author creates a deeply atmospheric world, hard but vital' -- Kirkus Reviews 'Murphy's skillful storytelling and optimistic spirit give even the grimmest moments of her difficult life story levity in this hopeful, spunky sister to Angela's Ashes"' -- Publishing News
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