Edwin O'Connor
Edwin O'Connor was an American journalist, novelist, and radio commentator, best known for his novels 'The Last Hurrah' and 'The Edge of Sadness'. His works often explored themes of politics and religion in American life.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Edge of Sadness
"The Edge of Sadness" is a story about a middle-aged Catholic priest who, after battling alcoholism and depression, returns to his hometown to serve in a local parish. The novel explores themes of faith, friendship, and redemption as the protagonist reconnects with his old friends, confronts his past, and tries to rebuild his life. The story is also a reflection on the changing face of the Catholic Church and the Irish-American community in the mid-20th century.
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2. The Last Hurrah
The novel centers around the final mayoral campaign of Frank Skeffington, an aging, charismatic, and shrewd political boss in an unnamed New England city. As he navigates the shifting political landscape of the 1950s, Skeffington confronts the challenges posed by modern media, changing public attitudes, and a new generation of political rivals. Through the eyes of his young nephew, Adam Caulfield, the story explores themes of loyalty, tradition, and the inevitable decline of old-school politics. The narrative captures the end of an era, reflecting on the complexities of power, legacy, and the personal cost of political ambition.