Leaning on Gates
Leaning on Gates by Seamus O’Rourke, published by Gill Books in 2024, is a memoir that continues the journey of the author from his first book, Standing in Gaps. This edition, written in English and spanning 320 pages, explores O’Rourke’s experiences as he leaves his rural Leitrim home to briefly experience life in New York, Dublin, and London, before returning to his familiar surroundings. The narrative reflects on themes of self-discovery and the complexities of rural life, intertwined with humor and the author’s reflections on his upbringing.
In this sequel, readers will find O’Rourke grappling with his perceived mediocrity, influenced by the pragmatic wisdom of his father. The memoir captures the innocence and absurdity of life in 1980s and 1990s Ireland, showcasing the author’s unique storytelling ability. Through anecdotes that blend humor with poignant moments, O’Rourke delves into the realities of his life, including the influence of alcohol and low-budget romance. This book offers a rich exploration of personal and social themes, making it a significant addition to the genres of biographies and memoirs.
Official synopsis Publisher
In the sequel to Seamus O’Rourke’s popular first memoir, Standing in Gaps, this innocent Leitrim lad finally flees the nest, briefly sampling life in New York, Dublin and London – before inevitably returning to his beloved, duller than dishwater existence at home – a life which now includes alcohol, Doctor Hook and some low-budget romance.
But man does not live on romance alone and Seamus needs to get to the bottom of his general uselessness, spurred on as always by his ever-the-realist father, who prophesised his mediocrity from an early age. Seamus continues to underachieve whilst struggling to interpret his auld lad’s advice and watered-down compliments – ‘You weren’t as bad as I often saw ya’, ‘They must be badly stuck, if they asked you’, and the classic ‘What kind of an eejit are ya?’ – all while capturing the innocence and the absurdity of rural life in 1980s and 1990s Ireland.
As always, O’Rourke finds diamond-tipped-needles in bales of really bad hay, providing more laughter and stories of mayhem for fans.
‘A gifted actor, writer and storyteller produces a memoir that is simply – gifted’ Joe Duffy
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