Mad Diary of Malcom Malarky

The Mad Diary of Malcolm Malarkey is a post-modern May-December black comedy about an Oxford-educated Irish English literature professor who falls in love with a beautiful Italian graduate student. The potential stumbling block for them is her desperation to get pregnant, but he eventually loses her due to his multiple impotencies. Months after her separation, Liliana meets and marries a Florentine who impregnates her with the children she desires.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press

The Mad Diary of Malcolm Malarkey is a captivating post-modern May-December black comedy that delves into the life of a 60ish, cancer-stricken Oxford educated, Irish English literature professor, Malcolm Malarkey. As fate would have it, Malarkey falls deeply in love with a beautiful, 30ish Italian returning graduate student, Liliana Liliano, who has tragically lost her husband in an auto accident.

Malarkey, known for his lack of respect for politically correct conventions, often finds himself at odds with the administration and even the local police. On the other hand, Liliana, after years of striving to break through the glass ceiling in the corporate world, returns to university to pursue her passion for literature.

Their relationship progresses relatively quickly, and they soon find themselves in love. Despite their many similarities and deep affection for each other, a potential obstacle arises in the form of Liliana's desperate desire to conceive, especially considering her previous miscarriage shortly before her husband's passing.

Malarkey, who has already raised a family, faces the daunting prospect of starting a new family and potentially leaving Liliana a widow for a second time, with a young child to care for. This dilemma weighs heavily on his mind as he tries to navigate the complexities of their relationship.

Despite his best efforts, Malarkey eventually loses Liliana due to his multiple impotencies. While Malarkey loves Liliana with all his heart, he realizes that their relationship cannot survive without the physical bond of pregnancy.

Months after their separation, Liliana meets and marries a Florentine who impregnates her with the children she most desires. Though Malarkey understands that the break was ultimately the best for her, it is a painful realization for him, as he struggles to move on with his life.

Malarkey's journey is a testament to the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. Through his experiences, he learns that true love may endure forever, but sometimes circumstances can hinder its growth. The Mad Diary of Malcolm Malarkey offers a poignant reflection on the human condition, reminding us that life is full of unexpected twists and turns and that our choices can have profound consequences for ourselves and those we love.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781628974423