Frank McCourt Has Died

I once had the pleasure of lunch with Mr. and Mrs. McCourt, when we shared a table at a conference in Dublin. I actually didn't talk much to Frank, but his wife was charming and I hope that she finds strength in this very sad time.

I envy you having met him, David. Angela's Ashes was wonderful.

Frank and I taught together at a conference once; the most remarkable thing about him was that he had every reason from his early life circumstances to be an angry, bitter, or looking to stir up a fight to vent his own unfinished business. He could've become a scorner of others, as many do so self-indulgently.

But. He was the opposite, Kath. He was one of the most generous (and privately melancholy over those who waste their lives in complaint and condemnation) people in the world. A man among men, truly. He was also open of the heart, and not selfish in the way that 'famous writers' often are. He said that his 'overnight success after 64 years,' was the greatest bounty he could imagine, because it gave him reason to help others.

A good many 'famous writers' scorn other writers, especially the young or fatuously ambitious, or 'know it alls' who are too young to know they dont know it all, will never know it all. Many writers will never ever share 'the secrets' of the trade/ craft with other writers. Frank did. He didnt give a sh-- who you were, what you'd been through, what you had, or didnt have, what you were p'o'-ed about' in lust or love with... He only wanted to know if you still had a heart for other humans.

A huge loss to not have Frank on earth anymore. He was planning to go back to Ireland to write some more, and to help more in Limerick, where there are so many poor yet.

Giant. Giant of a man. Thanks Kathy for remembering him to us.

dr.e

McCourt is a wonderful writer. His other book, 'Tis, is also well worth your valuable reading time.

May he rest in peace.

We were blessed to have the likes of Frank McCourt in our lifetimes. The gods were kind.
His books were grand... And the unabridged books-on-tape versions of both "Angela's Ashes" and "'Tis" have the added bonus of his musical, magical voice.

Rest in peace Frank McCourt.

Loved both books and had intense admiration for the man --- as a writer and as a person. Its a terrible loss.