PLOT - 1

From Brooklyn to Limerick - Recently arrived in the United States from Ireland, Angela Sheehan meets Malachy McCourt in Brooklyn, New York, and marries him soon after she discovers she is pregnant with Frank. They have four more children within the next four years: Malachy Jr., the twins Eugene and Oliver, and Margaret. Soon after seven-week-old Margaret dies, the family returns to Ireland and settles in Limerick to be near Angela's family. Since he is from Northern Ireland, Malachy, Sr. is an outsider in Limerick and has trouble finding work. Angela's family resents him as well, in part because he is a stranger but mostly because he is an alcoholic who spends all his money—wages from odd jobs and unemployment money—on alcohol, and despite his intelligence and charm cannot support his family.

Growing Up Poor -Arriving in Limerick the family lives in a single room, having to share one flea-infested mattress. They live off the dole (unemployment) and charity from the St. Vincent de Paul Society. When the twins die, the McCourts move into a house in the lanes—a very poor part of the city—next door to the lavatory for the entire neighborhood. The ground floor of their house floods when it rains, and the family moves to the upper floor, which they call "Italy" because it is warm and dry. Although Malachy Sr. repeatedly drinks their money away, the McCourts are a tight-knit family trying to carry their hardships with optimism and humor. Malachy Sr. initially means well, tells stories, and often gives up his share of food for his sons, but he cannot rise to the challenge of providing for his family. Although Angela's extended family looks down on her and her situation, they offer help when necessary.