Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha

The bittersweet story of a boy growing up in north Dublin, winner of the Booker Prize

WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 1993

Paddy Clarke is ten years old. Paddy Clarke's heroes are Father Damien (and the lepers), Geronimo and George Best. Paddy Clarke loves his Ma and Da, but it seems like they don't love each other, and Paddy wants to understand, but can't.

See also: Cal by Bernard MacLaverty

*A BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOKER PRIZE GEM*
WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 1993

Paddy Clarke is ten years old.

Paddy Clarke lights fires. Paddy Clarke's name is written in wet cement all over Barrytown. Paddy Clarke's heroes are Father Damien (and the lepers), Geronimo and George Best. Paddy Clarke knows the exact moment to knock a dead scab from his knee. Paddy Clarke hates his brother Francis because that’s the rule. Paddy Clarke loves his Ma and Da, but it seems like they don't love each other, and Paddy wants to understand, but can't.