Frank McCourt's second memoir, 'Tis, isn't as good as its predecessor, Angela's Ashes, but it's still a moving and impressive work. McCourt's wit and memories remain amusing and touching in this second memoir.
As McCourt himself describes here, there was quite the backlash against him after Angela’s Ashes became so popular. Part of the backlash was from other authors who are probably jealous about the attention and acclaim McCourt received. There was also skepticism that some of his memoir was fictional.
Ashes ended with McCourt, as a young Irish man, moving to America. There is no way for the stories of his 20s and 30s in ‘Tis to compare to the appalling tales he shares of his earlier years in Ashes.
This, for example, is what happens during his first communion, as he describes in Ashes:
It stuck.
I had God glued to the roof of my mouth. I could hear the master's voice, Don't let that host touch your teeth for if you bite God in two you'll roast in hell for eternity. I tried to get God down with my tongue but the priest hissed at me, Stop that clucking and get back to your seat. God was good. He melted and I swallowed Him and now, at last, I was a member of the True Church, an official sinner.
Then after his "first communion breakfast":
The food churned in my stomach. I gagged. I ran to her backyard and threw it all up. Out she came.
Look at what he did. Thrun up his First Communion breakfast. Thrun up the body and blood of Jesus. I have God in me backyard. What am I goin' to do? I'll take him to the Jesuits for they know the sins of the Pope himself.
She dragged me through the streets of Limerick. She told the neighbors and passing strangers about God in her backyard. She pushed me into the confession box.
In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost. Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It's a day since my last confession.
A day? And what sins have you committed in a day, my child?
I overslept. I nearly missed my First Communion. My grandmother said I have standing up, North of Ireland, Presbyterian hair. I threw up my First Communion breakfast. Now Grandma says she has God in her backyard and what should she do.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Ooooh, new Frank McCourt. Excellent. Nice review, Scott. I pretty much fee like you do, 'Tis just doesn't live up to Ashes.
I met McCourt right around when 'Tis was released, at a lecture/book signing. He seemed a lovely, kind man, and his tales were more endearing read live.
2 - Tan The Man
It isn't as good as Angela's Ashes, but that book was amazing. My favorite part of Tis is when Frank falls in love with the hot blonde. It's kind of funny how insecure, yet confident Frank was. He reminds me of myself when it comes to women.
3 - Scott Butki
Thanks, Mat.
I'm jealous.
I'd love to meet and interview McCourt. Maybe I should see if he'd do an interview for BC with me.
Tan, yeah, that was definitely one of the better parts.
4 - Mat Brewster
Unfortunately at the signing he was pretty rushed when it became my turn. At first he was signing and chatting with everyone, then his management set some rules down and it was just signing his name and moving the line forward. Still he left the impression that he would have sat and talked to the crowd all night.
5 - Scott Butki
That matches what I'd expect of him.
6 - Temple Stark
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Cheers. Temple
7 - Scott Butki
very gool. Thanks.
Have others read this or his new one?
8 - Timothy Horan
The guy was, and is a mediocrity. Only in a mediocracy, in a culture of semi-illiteracy, could such an author flourish. From first to last, the man was a schoolteacher. End of story.
9 - Paddy the Stevenson
I enjoyed it. I for one think he definately had/has Social Anxiety Disorder. The way he overthinks everything and never has the courage to speak about anything. I connected with all that because I'm like that myself.
"The guy was, and is a mediocrity. Only in a mediocracy, in a culture of semi-illiteracy, could such an author flourish. From first to last, the man was a schoolteacher. End of story."
^Someone is putting on Airs.