The Lie of the Land

Scintillatingly intelligent journalism ... Fintan O'Toole is one of Ireland's most talented journalists. -- TERRY EAGLETON * Observer *
O'Toole's weapons are laconic wit, a finely tuned sense of the ridiculous or anomalous and a spare, beautiful style. The concentrated energy of these essays, the richness of reference, their mordant humour can only be indicated in quotations: they demand to be read and re-read. -- ROY FOSTER * European *
[O'Toole] argues his case with much insight, wry humour and a touch of the blarney * Publisher's Weekly *
[The Lie of the Land] is both acute and liberating. The debunking of national myths, so often the favourite pastime of academics and the intelligentsia, is nowhere more needed than in Ireland... O'Toole's work will be lapped up by those who enjoy living with paradox and irony. -- PATRICK WEST * Literary Review *
Full of insight ... O'Toole peers into the soul of Ireland and the Irish: he finds paradoxes on every street, in every field. -- KIERAN COOKE * Financial Times *
A series of elegant essays on Irish identities...Such is O'Toole's way with metaphor that [these essays] shine brilliantly. -- DAVID ROBINSON * Scotsman *
A riveting and curious look at the state of Ireland at the end of the century. Heartfelt and passionate. O'Toole's ruminations effectively map a changing Ireland. * Kirkus Reviews *