An entertaining memoir of a rollicking life in New York of an Irish immigrant.

The title is derived from the young Malachy's mishearing of the words 'amongst women' in Hail Mary.

Malachy McCourt, younger brother to Frank, had his childhood portrayed in the much loved best-selling book, Angela's Ashes. Here he tells the story of his own hell-raising days when he left Ireland and went in search of fame, fortune and fun in New York.

The Exuberance of the Irish lifestyle in New York is matched with the scenes of rollercoaster emotional life, and a fair amount of alcohol.

A MONK SWIMMING, the story of a life lived uproariously, is light-hearted and immensely readable, outrageous and comic