Loopy - by Dan Binchy (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Dan Binchy's first two novels were delightful stories of small town Ireland and filled with a range of eccentric and hilarious characters. Both books received warm praise"---The Washington Post called The Neon Madonna "terrifically funny and a hilarious read." Booklist called The Last Resort "an endearing and entertaining combination of warmth and wit."

The tiny village of Trabane is tucked far away in the west of Ireland. The local golf course was designed more by nature than by man. On 'links' like this, golf is much more than just a game to those that play it. It is a battlefield where scores are settled and every man and woman is equal.

To young Larry Lynch, nicknamed Loopy, golf opens up new horizons and the chance of a better life. Having only recently picked up the sport, he finds he has a natural skill and quickly becomes the town's leading amateur. Loopy's gifted athleticism earns him entry into the Atlantic Trophy---a prestigious competition at the famed course, Ballykissane. Helped only by an eccentric caddy and a gaggle of noisy supporters, he takes on some of the world's best amateur golfers in a titanic struggle that will warm the heart of readers everywhere. Little does he know that he is playing for a prize far, far greater than a silver trophy.

Through it all, Binchy imbues the work with a wonderful feel of small town Ireland and, of course, the Irish spirit.

"Echoes of Rocky in a sweet-natured tale of golf and small-town Ireland...Binchy's third...is a dead-solid hit with cousin Maeve ("I...love this book!"), which is not surprising since it's Binchyesque to the core."
---Kirkus Reviews

From the Back Cover

"The Last Resort:
"Even if he weren't my cousin, I would love this book!"
--Maeve Binchy
"An endearing and entertaining combination of warmth and wit."
--"Booklist
"From hunt balls to whiskey stills, Binchy takes Luke and the reader to the heart of Erin in this warm and amusing mixture. Lots of wit, characters, and charm here."
--"Library Journal
"Laugh-out-loud funny. The description of the decrepit golf course...is alone worth the price of the book."
--"The Houston Post

"The Neon Madonna:
"Dan Binchy's first novel is terrifically funny. "The Neon Madonna is a hilarious read."
--"The Washington Post Book World
"A first-rate comic novel."
-"-Kirkus
"Binchy's first novel promises that the worldly Father Jerry could easily become the lead character of a series."
--"Booklist
"Dan Binchy delivers a charming first novel."
--"Tampa Tribune-Times

Review Quotes

"A sweet-natured tale of golf and small-town Ireland... A dead-solid hit." --Kirkus

About the Author

Dan Binchy is a farmer and writer in County Limerick, where he was born and lives with his wife. His other books include The Last Resort and The Neon Madonna.