Review
Reviewed by Ashley Hinds from
- The Badness of Ballydog
- Simon & Schuster
Badlands
More evidence that Irish children’s writers are at the top of their game, says Ashley Hinds.
Carr, a native of Donegal, has proven that a trilogy of his work is both necessary and anticipated. The Badness of Ballydog is reminiscent of the infamous eco-conscious children’s story The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and the anti-utopian novel of Anthony Burgess, A Clockwork Orange (minus the ultra-violence!). The underlying social, political, and economic commentary found throughout this novel makes The Badness of Ballydog an enjoyable read for all ages. Parents reading this with children will enjoy the existentialist tone that Carr takes, often leading to images of darkness and philosophical questions on the state of human existence. Carr’s loveable characters and wonderfully bleak depictions will thrill lost souls, reminding us to re-evaluate ourselves, and the positions we choose to take within society. Another new Irish children’s writer to watch closely.
