A sort of sequel to O’Brien’s best known book The Third Policeman, following characters from the latter. If you haven’t read him before then The Dalkey Archives gives you a general idea of his style - slightly surreal but still capturing the Irish psyche, but definitely try The Third Policeman too, it’s a classic that should be read by all.
Considered by the author to be almost a work of science fiction, the book includes among its "characters" St Augustine, James Joyce and a man who is in danger of turning into a bicycle. There is also the first published portrait of the mad scientist, who was later to achieve fame as de Selby.
'Flann O'Brien is inventive, his storytelling is swift and sure, making the eccentric seem natural and the commonplace hilarious.' The Times
The Dalkey Archive is worth every penny for the hilarious fourth chapter alone in which De Selby and his two drinking companions in aqualungs converse with St Augustine in an underwater cave off Dalkey seafront. A wicked yet affectionate satire on Irishry.' City Limits
'O'Brien's dialogue is keen and inspired, the prose lucid and sharp with a blend of lunatic improbable and seamless quotidian.' Irish Times
Author
About Flann O'brien
Flann O’Brien was the pseudonym of Brian O'Nolan (5 October 1911 – 1 April 1966). He was an Irish novelist and satirist, best known for his novels At Swim-Two-Birds and The Third Policeman. He also wrote many humorous columns in the Irish Times under the name Myles na gCopaleen.
