At Swim-Two-Birds (Dalkey Archive Essentials)

It's a pity that a book of this calibre and importance should be published by Penguin Modern Classics with neither introduction, annotation nor biographical note. Flann O'Brien is one of Ireland's most important authors, and At-Swim-Two-Birds, with its brilliant wit and unique style, is one of his best-known works.In my copy, the binding is flimsy, and a few pages are on the verge of falling out even though the book has not yet been read. The printing is small (much smaller than my Modern Classics editions of Joyce and Camus), and faded to the point of being illegible in parts. I hope Penguin (and Amazon) take the quality of their products seriously in future.

Brian Nolan is a legendary figure amongst Irish writers and this book is a once in a lifetime masterpiece. In essence it is a classic surrealistic novel, laced throughout with fable, myth and hidden meanings, farce, fantasy and satire. The effect on the reader is mesmerising as he uses layer after lyrical layer of the English language to evoke bouts of laughter while appreciating that beneath the surface is a serious critique of repressive Irish society of the late 1930’s. I believe that work is best approached by the reader primarily for the sheer enjoyment of the language. Additionally, though not necessary for the enjoyment, it can be approached studiously, ferreting out the richness of the references and allusions in much the same way as the reader might approach Joyce’s Ulysses. Whatever approach is taken, it is no coincidence that this work is included in the Guardian’s list of 100 best novels ever written. An innovative masterpiece which I’m sorry that I had not read until now. Read it with an open mind and once you get into its stride, be prepared to chuckle your way to the end, savouring each sentence along the way.

A hodgepodge of brilliant writing which ultimately vomits itself onto Joyce's shoes.Enjoyable, if the reader wants a peculiar and inspired rigmarole.Off-putting, if the reader wants a narrative that doesn't lose the plot.Best summarized as meta-fiction - a farrago of whimsy, a mingle-mangle of wryness.Perhaps there's one too many scatty confabs.Recommended to surrealists, folklorists, woolgatherers, oddballs, and those into all things topsy-turvy.

At Swim Two Birds is a kaleidoscope of a book. Hard to describe, mesmerizing, truly brilliant at times.It's also very hard going. Sometimes this in itself is the joke, as it reflects traditional Irish story types. But even allowing for that, many parts felt over-long and a little too chaotic. A firm editor might have cut a third of the book and improved the final result.That said, it's unique and truly very enjoyable in many sections. It's definitely a book that will stick with me, I'm glad to have read it.

Many years ago I read some short articles/letters by this author in some of his guises. Found him quite amusing. Don't know if age has soured me or if I have matured, but although the author is educated to a standard higher than mine, I just could not be bothered finishing this pretentious drivil. I will stick to my thrillers/procedurals in the future for entertainment

Not funny, but tedious in the extreme. No insights, certainly rather surreal, but to what end? It was chosen for a book club, and for the first time ever I couldn't be bothered. I persevered for a time, loathed every wasted minute. And I normally like Irish authored novels. Pretentious, self-regarding as the main character. Cannot understand why some people think it's wonderful.