London Irish Fictions Narrative, Diaspora and Identity

'An important contribution to a number of areas: Irish studies, diaspora and migration studies, and the study of the literature of London.' Years Work in English Studies 'This excellent new study ... London Irish Fictions is both a pioneering and imperative study. ... [Murray] locates a compelling point of synthesis between the work of Avtar Brah on "diaspora space" and that of Paul Ricoeur on "narrative identity" which allows him to account for a multitude of ways of defining, describing and explaining the experience of being both Irish and an inhabitant of London. ... The volume is impressive in its discussion of the variety of experiences and viewpoints that these texts display. ... Absorbing and necessary.' Whitney Standlee, The Brazilian Journal of Irish Studies 'A landmark study of that most essential aspect of being Irish, the experience of it outside of Ireland itself. [...] A most handsome book, with a wonderful cover, both inside and outside Irish Studies, for the student or curious poet, this is clearly a foundation text. Hats off.' Books Ireland 'A new book, London Irish Fictions: Narrative, Diaspora and Identity, by Tony Murray, presents a fascinating story of the Irish immigrants, many of whom dug the roads, worked in the National Health Service or engaged in the arts.' Camden New Journal 'Murray's book makes its own powerful contribution in a study of Irish literary relationships with London that breaks new and important ground by furthering conversations about the keen significance of migration to Irish literary culture. London Irish Fictions is an elegantly written, compelling, and generous book that makes an invaluable contribution to understanding Irish and diasporic literary culture in the twenty-first century.' Irish Studies Review 'London Irish Fictions is the first book that looks at literature of the Irish in London, and makes a valuable contribution to Irish diaspora studies more generally. Murray's analysis of the role of narrative in shaping diasporic identities is masterly, and sheds new light on representations of exile, escape and belonging in the diasporic experience. A highly enjoyable and recommended read.' Louise Sheridan, Estudios Irlandeses Reviews'A rich, sympathetic and nuanced exploration of that strange blend of exile and escape, of suffering and play-acting, which characterises the Irish migrant experience in London [...] a valuable, unprecedented and necessary book.' Declan Kiberd