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The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Series: Modern Classics
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( 3,885 ratings, 267 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh is a darkly comedic play set on a remote Irish island. The story follows a ruthless Irish nationalist obsessed with his beloved cat, whose mysterious death sets off a chain of violent and absurd events. Satirising political extremism, it mixes black humour with sharp commentary on the cult of violence and loyalty.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This dark comedy might appeal to you if you enjoy plays that blend intense humour with sharp social commentary. Set in rural Ireland, the play explores themes of loyalty, absurdity, and rebellion, perfect for those who appreciate a mix of wit, drama, and a touch of the macabre in their arts and culture reads.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Who knocked Wee Thomas over on the lonely road on the island of Inishmore, and was it an accident? "Mad Padraig" will want to know when he gets back from a stint of torture and chip shop bombing in Northern Ireland: he loves that cat more than life itself.

Martin McDonagh has won various prizes for his plays including: The Laurence Olivier Award, Evening Standard Award, and Tony Award 'Martin McDonagh is both a powerful writer of staying power and an individual talent within a powerful tradition His is a voice you will want to hear again.' Sunday Times 'One of the great events of the contemporary Irish theatre' Irish Times on his Leenane Trilogy Originally produced in 2001, the play has gone on to become a well established work

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Wee Thomas was a friendly cat. He would always say hello to you were you to see him sitting on a wall. (Pause.) He won't be saying hello no more, God bless him. Not with that lump of a brain gone. Who knocked Wee Thomas over on the lonely road on the island of Inishmore, and was it an accident? "Mad Padraig" will want to know when he gets back from a stint of torture and chip shop bombing in Northern Ireland: he loves that cat more than life itself.

Series: Modern Classics

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  • The Lieutenant of Inishmore
    Wee Thomas was a friendly cat. He would always say hello to you were you to see him sitting on a wall. (Pause.) He won't be saying hello no more, God bless him. Not with that lump of a brain gone. Who knocked Wee Thomas over on the lonely road on the island of Inishmore, and was it an accident?...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh is a dark, farcical play that explores political terrorism in rural Ireland. Critics describe it as both entertaining and morally provocative, blending absurdism with commentary on political violence. It's praised for its mix of horror and humour, serving as a thought-provoking piece that challenges audiences to reflect on serious themes amidst the chaos.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780413765000

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 April 2001

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 5.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 100g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Martin McDonagh's first play The Beauty Queen of Leenane was nominated for six Tony awards, of which it won four, and the Laurence Olivier Award. In 2003, his play The Pillowman had its world premiere at the Royal National Theatre and received the 2004 Olivier Award. In 2006, Martin McDonagh won an Oscar for his short film Six Shooter.

Also by Martin McDonagh

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  • The Lieutenant of Inishmore
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  • McDonagh Plays: 1
    Martin McDonagh's plays have been produced in Galway, Dublin, London, and New York. They have created excitement and have won numerous awards. In individual editions, the plays have been among Methuen's most popular sellers. Martin McDonagh's The Leenane Trilogy is hailed as "one of the great events of the contemporary Irish theatre" (Irish Times). This volume contains: The Beauty Queen...
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