Puckoon

This novel humorously explores the chaos caused by a poorly drawn border in a small town. Puckoon features a cast of eccentric characters navigating absurd situations.

In 1924, the Boundary Commission is given the challenging task of establishing the new official division between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. However, due to a mix of incompetence, negligence, and sheer absurdity, the border ends up slicing right through the heart of a small town called Puckoon. This unexpected division leads to a series of comical and chaotic situations as the residents grapple with the absurdity of their new reality.

As the border cuts through homes, separating families and disrupting daily life, we meet Dan Milligan, the hapless protagonist. Dan finds himself in a whirlwind of confusion, as he is manipulated and tormented by those around him, including the whims of the author. The narrative unfolds with a delightful blend of slapstick humor and sharp wit, showcasing the ridiculousness of the circumstances that arise from a poorly drawn border.

Puckoon is filled with a cast of eccentric characters who each add their own flavor to the unfolding drama. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the absurdity of bureaucratic decisions, all while keeping readers entertained with its clever humor. Spike Milligan's classic work remains a poignant reminder of how arbitrary borders can disrupt lives, wrapped in a comedic package that is both engaging and thought-provoking.