Anne Walsh Donnelly has indeed crafted a masterpiece in her debut novel, “He Used to Be Me”. The novel’s unconventional structure, with liberally used italics, consciously disorganised positioning of words, and ample whitespace, may be initially confounding to some readers. At first glance, it appears to place intellectual prowess above emotional investment and prioritises artistic design over narrative.
However, do not be deceived by initial impressions. This avant-garde format only serves to accentuate the power lurking within the confines of its 116 packed pages. The narrative revolves around Daft Mutt, a delicate, tired individual who has spent a lifetime on the peripheries of Mayo’s society. Mutt’s introduction implies a mental instability as he warns the readers, “I’m not as mad as you think.”
He then embarks on a heart-wrenching journey down memory lane, recounting tales of parental torment and the tragic loss of his twin brother Eoin Paul when they were just ten. Further down the line, Mutt’s account depicts hope of a fresh start as he frees Himself from his father’s clutches, finds love in Harriet, and becomes a father. However, a tragic accident drags him back into despair and under the supervision of the Irish care system, leading to an irreversible change in his life.
A recent entrant to the realm of Irish fiction, the Mayo-based writer from Carlow first burst on the scene with a poetic compilation, “The Woman With an Owl Tattoo”, in 2020. Donnelly’s work resonates with a distinctive assuredness in its tone and maturity in its voice. Through the character of Daft Mutt, she delivers a storytelling experience that is deeply profound and immensely touching.