Aidan Parkinson has been writing and acting for some time now in his adopted home of Boston and for many years previously in his native Dublin (Drimnagh to be precise).

This writer first saw his work performed by the legendary Irish Theatre Company "The Passion Machine" and had the privilege since to see and hear works in progress and in production. His new novel "Naked Mommy" is a welcome addition to his work and all the more welcome in that it heralds in a trilogy. It was also great to see that his latest novel was being released an an Ebook; further evidence of the author's willingness to mix things up and to step away from the publishing orthodoxies.

His first novel in the trilogy sets us up in seemingly familiar territory in contemporary Ireland. A 'spoiled' priest returns to his family leaving his faith behind and back to the old home ground while his brother schemes his way out the post Celtic Tiger wreckage. A returned maverick returns to her home determined to change the world and casts a spell on both brothers. This triangle is just a part of the plot; another plot line sees a predatory multinational company planning to exploit the town's natural resources aided and abetted by the scheming brother.

In lesser hands this could have descended into caricature, but Parkinson handles the plot and the supporting characters with a deft hand and a lyrical style underpinned by a wicked sense of humour. I'm hooked. Roll on the trilogy!

I found this book to be difficult to read and follow. It is difficult to understand if the author is putting down the Irish or if an Irish setting just seemed to be the best place to start. The three main characters are well defined and most of the story is told through their minds' ramblings. The thing that drew all of the characters outside characters to this place and time is the real star of the book and that is the lake and maybe more time should have been spent telling the reader about the lake.

Though difficult to read and follow at times it was an interesting read. In the end about everyone gets naked. But also I think everyone, main characters, gets what they want out of life. They all appear in this small Irish town and after the events there, all of them find what they were seeking, happiness. Interesting book. ( )

I was really intrigued by the cover and the title. I guess I was expecting that romance novel feeling, but it wasn't that type of novel. It was wordy and became laborious to read.

In this book, we are introduced to two brothers, Liam and Mel Caffrey that fall for the same woman. The brothers grew up together, but ended up on very different paths. Liam Caffrey is a budding criminal and his Mel Caffrey is man of faith.

Nuala Macree, a new mother, arrives in town to join an activist group protesting a corporate takeover of water rights. Both man are suddenly captivated by her beautiful and grit. Nuala comes with some baggage. She is a little cynical due to her failed relationship, but she has a baby boy in tow. I don’t think either brother really knew what they were embarking on, when they decided to woo her.

You have a monk who is “lost” and trying to find his way back, and then you have a common criminal vying for the affections of a militant lady who has an axe to grind.

The book had some humorous parts, but overall was too wordy for me. I had a hard time staying interested in this book as it went on. I didn’t connect with the writing style. Although I liked the way the story was told, as if each character was talking to me. This book might appeal more to someone who would enjoy the Irish references and could picture the scenery.

It was an okay read, but it wasn’t what I was expecting. I prefer more of the angst-filled romance. ( )

I enjoyed the Irish references in this book. There were a lot of characters, and I thought some of them could have been better developed. I liked how the party brought everyone together, and it was entertaining to see the different groups of people come together. I thought it was funny what happened with Nuala, but I dont understand the brother's reactions to it. Overall, a decent read but one that I will likely not continute on in the trilogy. ( )

Naked Mommy by Aidan Parkinson has all the makings of an Irish farce with the focus on one woman who becomes the obsession of two brothers. Parkinson's story carries you along right up until the onset of the climax, then both the story line and the editing manage to come apart at the seams. ( )