Madam, - I share Andy Barclay's delight at Ann Enright's Man Booker Prize win October 18th), but I begrudge him his begrudgery of Eileen Battersby's view of The Gathering" (The Irish Times, October 17th).
In offering her own honest, if less than effusive, appraisal of the prize-winning book, Eileen Battersby steps outside the current consensus of joy. Isn't this refreshing and worth our attention too?
Ms Battersby's piece is far from "mealy-" mouthed: her view that Veronica, the narrator in The Gathering, is not a credible witness is worth our consideration at least. I have no doubt that Anne Enright, in her wit and wisdom (so admired by Andy Barclay), would be happy to consider Eileen Battersby's view of her book - and that this would in no way diminish her well-deserved joy at winning the Man Booker Prize. - Yours, etc,
MAIRÉAD EGAN,
Idrone Avenue,
Knocklyon Road,
Dublin 16.