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Eureka Street

A tale of identity and morality in 1990s Belfast

Robert McLiam Wilson author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:16th Jun '97

Should be back in stock very soon

Eureka Street cover

In Eureka Street, two men navigate the complexities of life in 1990s Belfast amidst personal struggles and societal turmoil, exploring themes of identity and morality.

Set in the turbulent backdrop of Belfast during the 1990s, Eureka Street explores the lives of two contrasting characters against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire. Chuckie Lurgan, a hefty Protestant from a poor background, unexpectedly finds himself with wealth through dubious yet legal means. His transformation raises questions about morality, identity, and the cost of ambition in a city plagued by conflict. As Chuckie's fortunes change, he navigates the complexities of his new life, grappling with the ethical implications of his success.

On the other side of the spectrum is Jake Jackson, a reformed Catholic tough guy who faces his own struggles. Abandoned by his English girlfriend, Jake seeks solace and love in a city rife with division. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he confronts not just his past but also the societal expectations surrounding him. The interplay between Chuckie and Jake's stories highlights the broader themes of friendship, betrayal, and the quest for belonging in a fractured society.

Amidst these personal narratives, the enigmatic letters 'OTG' begin to surface throughout the city, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the tale. As the characters' paths intertwine, Eureka Street offers a unique perspective on life in Belfast, capturing the essence of a city on the brink of change and the human experiences that resonate within it.

Stylish, funny, black and memorable * Irish Times *
Shocking and reassuring, visceral and alive with the majesty and mystery of the city, Eureka Street cements Wilson's reputation as one of the best writers around * Time Out *
A novel of ambitious scope and compelling power; it marks a new level of accomplishment in an already formidable writer * Times Literary Supplement *
What is most striking is McLiam Wilson's range: tragedy, comedy, realism, absurdism and refreshing political insight. I am staggered by McLiam Wilson's scope * The Times *
A sane, moving and often very funny satire directed against the establishment of terror. In the face of arbitrary, violent death and genocidal conflict, Wilson celebrates humanity...he offers us no solutions, but shows us our best and our worst with a redemptive tenderness and common sense * Scotsman *

ISBN: 9780749396725

Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 25mm

Weight: 278g

400 pages