The Mangan Inheritance

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Moore's suave professionalism elevates this lightweight, contrived search-for-identity novel. Jamie Mangan, a 36-year-old Canadian cub reporter and poet, inherits a fortune after the tragic death of his film star wife, Beatrice Abbot, who had recently left him for another man. Having spent years as "Mr. Beatrice Abbot" and feeling like a cuckold, Jamie desperately needs to reclaim his identity. Upon returning to Montreal, he discovers family documents, including a photograph of James Clarence Mangan, a 19th-century Irish poet who resembles him. This revelation prompts Jamie to travel to Ireland in search of personal identity. In the town of Dinshane, he encounters various Mangans, divided into two distinct groups: black sheep and white. The narrative unfolds as Jamie seeks to understand the origins of this behavioral divide, leading to revelations of incest, past traumas, and madness. While the plot may seem far-fetched, Moore's smooth storytelling engages readers throughout. The narrative's charm and the sentimental conclusion provide enjoyment, but the overall impact remains light and lacks depth.