New Zealand Listener

Best will in the world

In Roddy Doyle’s Charlie Savage, the protagonist frets over what sort of legacy to leave his grandchildren. In particular, what skills or wisdom can he offer to make their lives more meaningful, more rewarding?

The light bulb flares. Of course – he’ll teach them how to abuse soccer refs on television. Soon we see grandfather with little ones, all shouting “Gobshite!” at the screen, while

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