Personals

Originally from County Clare, but living in Cork, Brian O’Connell is a multi-award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster, best known for his work on Today with Sean O’Rourke on RTÉ Radio1. He has a particular interest in social issues and human-interest stories and is known for tackling often difficult and diverse subjects. His previous book Wasted addressed Ireland’s relationship with alcohol.

‘In this quirky, insightful adventure, Brian O’Connell finds the humanity behind the typeface.’– Ryan Tubridy‘A fantastic collection’ – The Today Show with Sean O’Rourke, RTE Radio 1‘It’s good to know that the classifieds continue to thrive, because, as O’Connell shows, that is where history with a lower-case h will always be found, one small ad at a time.’ – Irish Times‘Charming and often moving … The Personals is full of great stories – from sad to quirky to funny to, the odd time, baffling – as Brian tracks down the back-story to such unusual items-for-sale as a pair of monkeys, Leaving Cert notes, a cross-dressing dress-up service, German Army helmets from World War I and a bulletproof car, among more mundane objects. In other words, life in all its madness and glory.’ – RTE Guide‘A charming and moving look at the world of personal ads.’ – Martin Doyle, Irish Times‘A great read, full of moving, often funny, stories.’ – Irish Examiner‘Warm, wry and insightful’ Sunday Times Ireland edition‘Entertaining and poignant reading’– Echo‘An utterly lovely gift idea.’ – Woman’s Way