I didn't particularly enjoy reading this book--the setting and circumstances described by the author were too much to bear over nearly 400 pages of text. After stepping away from the book, however, I now appreciate how [a:Frank McCourt|3347|Frank McCourt|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1263585664p2/3347.jpg]'s writing made the lanes of Limerick and its cast of colorful inhabitants come alive. I may not read any of the book's sequels, but I'm glad I read this one.