Bill Monks uses humor, pathos to portray the essence of a neighborhood in Dublin

Every once in a while, a book captures the character, mood, and humor of a place.  In award-winning novels, John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces” did that for the French Quarter in New Orleans and Edwin O’Connor’s “The Last Hurrah” did so for Boston in his novel.  

Bill Monks has achieved that capture for Dublin’s historic Temple Bar neighborhood with his debut novel, “Temple Barred.”

Monks creates a fantasy world that is both hilarious, and a tragically true-to-life depiction of life on the mean streets of Dublin. 

Musicians, mystics, drunks, and drug dealers intermingle with cops, barmen, and bouncers weaving a Lord of the Rings style quest combined with social commentary on the reality of urban poverty and addiction beneath the raucous surface. 

Rival tribes that are visible to each other but hidden in plain sight from tourists and revelers who flow in and out of the cultural quarter vie for control of the territory of Temple Bar. Memorable characters navigate the dangers and possibilities of urban life in a tale told with the humor, humanity and voice of a true Dubliner.

The portrayal of homelessness, rough sleepers, squatters, and deprivation shrouded by the never-ending party that is Temple Bar gently educates the reader without preaching. Vivid descriptions of the cobbled laneways and realistic dialogue bring Temple Bar itself to life. 

A visit to the historic gem in Dublin’s city center will never be the same after reading this novel.  The Temple Bar neighborhood has stood since the time of the Vikings.  “Temple Barred” will also stand the test of time.

“Temple Barred” is available at the Norseman Pub in Dublin or online at choicepublishing.ie/