Customer Reviews
I was there...! - By: juan_for_the_money, 15 Jul 2008 
This took me back, as I was In Nicaragua at the very time that this book was set, so the resonances were huge. I did enjoy the book, & thought it a good yarn, but it suffered in my reading from being over-detailed - rather like one of those TV series where the old cars & toffee wrappers from the 1970's are a little to the fore. Nevertheless a good read, a great punt for us old sandalistas.
One of his best - By: T. J. Walters, 15 Jun 2006 
Unlike one of your other reviewers I did not enjoy Star of the Sea, but I have read & enjoyed many of Joseph O'Connors books, & I rate this as one of his best alongside the Salesman. Be warned once you pick it up it is difficult to put down, I have just bought it again, because like alll good books you want to lend it to your friends & then you never get it back do you!
First class story teller - By: Sara Crean-Muir, 04 Dec 2004 I personallly made the mistake of reading the author's finest book yet 'the Star of the Sea' & then 'Desperados' - expecting the same consuming calibre of writing. It left me disappointed but I can still give Mr O'Connor credit for a great & involving read; feeling I should not have embarked on this book with such a blinkered mindset.
The relationships & journey of Desperados evokes plenty of heartache & lip biting tension. Each character is wonderfully crafted - it is clear Mr O'Connor is a first class storyteller!
I say, give this book a go - you'll love it!
The best book that I've read in a long time . - By: , 31 Aug 2001 I laughed out loud & I cried to myself! I'm not very good at writing reviews but my advice is "read it" & I promise you won't be disappointed. It is perhaps the funniest & at the same time the most poignant novel that I,ve come across in a long time.
A modern day adventure story, the best O'Connor book - By: , 15 Jun 2000 Desperadoes is, in my opinion, the best book that Joseph O'Connor has written. The story concerns an estranged couple, Frank & Eleanor Little & their search for their missing son in Nicaragua. The frosty atmosphere between Frank & Eleanor is in stark contrast to the heat of Nicaragua & the strained relationship between Frank & the members of his son's band which on a number of occasions threatens to boil over. Personality clashes become inevitable in the confines of a VW Camper. A hippy callled Smokes quickly endears himself to the reader & so vivid is the writing that you will soon be joining Frank, Eleanor & the band members in their VW Camper searching for Johnny in the mountains of war torn Nicaragua. A great read, definitely recommended.
