The Commitments
The Commitments
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Brief
165
Novel • Fiction
Dublin, Ireland • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Commitments by Roddy Doyle follows a group of working-class youths in 1980s Dublin who form a soul band named The Commitments under the management of Jimmy Rabbitte. As they strive to bring soul music to Ireland, they face internal conflicts, personality clashes, and the challenges of the music industry, leading to the band's eventual rise and fall.
Humorous
Gritty
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
17,251 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Roddy Doyle's The Commitments is heralded for its authentic portrayal of working-class Dublin and its vibrant, music-driven narrative. Critics praise the engaging humor and dynamic dialogue, though some feel the character development is uneven. The novel's energy and wit, however, largely compensate for any flaws, delivering an immersive and enjoyable read.
Who Should Read The Commitments?
Fans of gritty, humorous, and music-infused narratives will relish Roddy Doyle's The Commitments. Similar to Nick Hornby's High Fidelity and Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting, this novel appeals to readers who appreciate tales of underdog triumphs set against the backdrop of working-class struggles and rich cultural landscapes.
17,251 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
165
Novel • Fiction
Dublin, Ireland • 1980s
1987
Adult
18+ years
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