Dear Great Book Guru, I was at a glorious St. Patrick’s Day celebration where everyone was discussing a new book by a prize winning Irish author.  Some described it as hilariously funny, while others insisted it was a tragedy. All agreed it was very long but a very worthwhile read.  Does it sound familiar?   Perplexed but Interested

Dear Perplexed…. Paul Murray’s THE BEE STING is all these things and more. Set in contemporary Ireland, this 600-plus page book is the story of one family set over generations in which everyone involved makes a bad decision. It is told from the perspectives of Imelda, the beautiful wife of Dickie, owner of a failing car dealership; Cass, their surly teenage daughter who turns to alcohol to ease the tensions of adolescence; and PJ , her younger brother, who is being blackmailed by the town bully.  In each case these characters choose sometimes humorous, sometimes horrific solutions to their problems.  The economic chaos in Ireland plus catastrophic climate changes all work themselves into the story of a family in deep trouble and pain. Besides the four main characters, there are many others richly developed that add to the complexity and beauty of the novel.  The startling conclusion makes this family saga truly  a controversial mystery that leaves you  questioning much of what you have read.  Highly recommended!