The Temporary Gentleman

Irishman Jack McNulty has plenty to say about his life as an engineer, soldier, and UN observer. He begins with high adventure as the ship he is on sinks in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa but soon transitions to the equally fascinating story of his tragically doomed marriage. After their marriage, Mai Kirwan, a lively, educated, and talented beauty, slid inexorably into depression followed by alcoholism, drug addiction, and child abuse. Jack enabled her more than he helped, and he frequently abandoned her when he needed to go to work. Spanning much of the early 20th century, this novel focuses on the ordinary lives of people who often found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. The compelling tale, written in exquisite, often poetic language, is the sixth in a cycle of related stand-alone novels and is brought to life by Frank Grimes, who delivers a strong narrative performance.