Beschrijving

The Pope s Children is botha celebration and bitingly funny portrait of the first generation of the Celtic Tiger the beneficiaries of the economic miracle that propelled Ireland from centuries of deprivation into a nation that now enjoys one of the highest living standards in the world.

Named for the ironic coincidence of the Irish baby boom of the 1970s, which peaked nine months to the day after Pope John Paul II s historic visit to Dublin, the Pope s Children are overflowing with money, ambition and optimism but they are also the most hedonistic, status conscious and decadent Irish generation ever. They have abandoned the Old Irish Dream of Catholicism, nationalism and limited expectations in exchange for the New Irish Dream of instant gratification, material possessions and endless possibility.

A noted Irish economist, broadcaster and bestselling author, David McWilliams cleverly dissects and describes contemporary Ireland. He tells how ”Wonderbra Economics” is raising living standards and pushing the social classes closer together. He describes how prosperity has given rise to two distinct social classes: the Decklanders, so named because of their obsession with backyard decks and rank materialism; and the HiCos, who are trying to fuse their Irish heritage with their newfound cosmopolitan values sometimes with hilarious results.

A brilliant writer, McWilliams blends words into new and unexpected forms. You ll learn about ”the Expectocracy,” ”Property Porn,” the ”Carrot Juice Contrarians,” ”RoboPaddy” and ”Speed Bump Moms.” Vividly and powerfully, McWilliams brings contemporary Ireland to life.

Witty, intelligent and irreverent, The Pope s Children tells the real story of Ireland s amazing economic and social transformation and the special generation that is changing the country forever.