A Monk Swimming - Tapa blanda

An entertaining memoir of a rollicking life in New York of an Irish immigrant.

The title is derived from the young Malachy’s mishearing of the words ‘amongst women’ in Hail Mary.

Malachy McCourt, younger brother to Frank, had his childhood portrayed in the much loved best-selling book, Angela’s Ashes. Here he tells the story of his own hell-raising days when he left Ireland and went in search of fame, fortune and fun in New York.

The Exuberance of the Irish lifestyle in New York is matched with the scenes of rollercoaster emotional life, and a fair amount of alcohol.

A MONK SWIMMING, the story of a life lived uproariously, is light-hearted and immensely readable, outrageous and comic

Malachy McCourt, younger brother to Frank, had his childhood portrayed in the much loved best-selling book, 'Angela's Ashes'. Here he tells the story of his own hell-raising days when he left Ireland and went in search of fame, fortune and fun in New York.

'Truth is I knew I couldn't do anything but tell stories and lies'

And tell stories he does. In turn longshoreman, saloon keeper, raconteur and actor, most of the book takes place in an assortment of watering holes whose occupants drink and talk too much.

'A Monk Swimming,' the story of a life lived uproariously, is light-hearted and immensely readable, outrageous and comic.

"One grows to like Mr. McCourt for his honesty, sympathise with him for his struggle... and laugh and sweat with him when the authorities seem to be closing in... a funny, oddly winning book"
NEW YORK TIMES

"Away from the boisterous bonhomie of the bars, Malachy McCourt tells the truth about the important things"
THE HERALD

"A drunken exhilarating version of the American dream"
THE OBSERVER