Reginald Darcy Thormond Dancer Kildare, to the remote midlands Irish manor known as Andromeda Park born. His father, “a man well known for his gambling as he was for his generosity among cronies, had married for money and was, as he was mostly, away in England for the racing.” His mother a beloved equestrienne who soon dies in a riding accident.

Darcy grows in the crumbling country house, raised by servants, surrounded by the dwindling land his father is selling off. Taught the art of love by his Austrian housekeeper, Darcy is sent to a boarding school when his father learns of it. In a hilarious episode the school burns on Darcy’s first night and he commences his journey to manhood.

Darcy finds plenty of lust but still seeks love. In typical Donleavy style, the words and story flow hypnotically while Darcy finds his way in his young life and has to prove himself time and again while meeting the most amusing and disagreeable people Dublin has to offer. ( )

Fantastic! Again, Donleavy has created a character (Darcy Dancer) and given him life to the point where after finishing this book, I felt as though I should give him a a call to see how he's doing. I have to order the second part to this book. I am sure it will be as good as this one. ( )