Night Boat to Tangier - Kevin Barry (Book)

Title: Night Boat to Tangier

Author: Kevin Barry

Date Published: June 20, 2019

Publisher: Canongate Books

Category: Literary Fiction / Crime Fiction

In Night Boat to Tangier, acclaimed Irish author Kevin Barry crafts a poignant narrative centered on Maurice Hearne and Charlie Redmond, two aging Irish gangsters who find themselves in the ferry terminal of Algeciras, Spain, on October 23, 2018. Their mission is deeply personal: they are searching for Dilly, Maurice’s estranged daughter, whom they believe may be passing through the port from Tangier, Morocco. As they wait, the terminal’s dreary ambiance mirrors their own reflections on a life steeped in crime, love, and loss.

Through a series of flashbacks, Barry delves into the duo’s tumultuous past, revealing their entanglements in the drug trade, complex romantic relationships, and the profound bond that ties them together. The narrative oscillates between their present vigil in the terminal and recollections of their youth, painting a vivid picture of men grappling with the consequences of their choices. Barry’s lyrical prose captures the essence of regret and the longing for redemption, offering readers an intimate look into the psyche of his characters.

Night Boat to Tangier has garnered critical acclaim for its dark humor and evocative storytelling. The novel was longlisted for the 2019 Booker Prize, underscoring its literary significance. Readers seeking a contemplative exploration of crime’s toll on the human spirit, intertwined with themes of friendship and the search for meaning, will find Barry’s work both compelling and haunting.