The Third Policeman

The Third Policeman cover
Good Books rating 4.33
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Technical
  • ID: 6099
  • Added: 2025-11-01
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781504059640
  • Publisher: Open Road Media
  • Published: 2019-11-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Third Policeman follows a narrator consumed by the eccentric theories of philosopher de Selby, who believes the Earth is sausage-shaped. Desperate to publish his magnum opus on de Selby's work, the narrator turns to crime, leading to a series of bizarre and philosophical encounters. He finds himself in a surreal world where he meets policemen obsessed with bicycles and engages in conversations with his victim and his own soul, named Joe. By the celebrated Irish author Flann O'Brien, this novel is a remarkable blend of dark comedy and existential questioning. Praise for Flann O'Brien includes James Joyce's acknowledgment of his 'true comic spirit' and The Washington Post's recognition of his unique voice in Irish literature. The novel explores themes of eternity, contradictions, and the nature of reality, making it a standout work of literary fiction.

Reviews
Reviews by Writers · Susan Price · 2019-12-16
brilliant 4.50

The book is a masterpiece that is both very funny and deeply sinister, blending bizarre and poetic elements with despair.

Susan Price describes 'The Third Policeman' as a masterpiece that is both hilarious and deeply unsettling. She highlights the book's unique blend of humor, poetry, and despair, making it a standout piece of literature. The novel's sinister undertones and bizarre elements create a compelling and thought-provoking read. Price appreciates the book's ability to balance these contrasting elements, making it a memorable and impactful experience.


Quick quotes

    It's sinister.

    It is very funny — and also bizarre, poetic and despairing.

    This is a 'comic novel.' It's also a masterpiece.

The Irish Times · 2015-08-25
intriguing 4.00

The novel appears to be mere whimsy but is eerily compelling in a profound way.

The Irish Times reviewer notes that 'The Third Policeman' initially appears to be a whimsical tale about comical Irish policemen and bicycles. However, they find it to be eerily compelling in a profound way. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity, which go beyond its surface-level whimsy. The book's ability to delve into deeper philosophical and existential themes makes it a thought-provoking and memorable read. The reviewer highlights the novel's unique blend of humor and profundity, making it a standout piece of literature.


Quick quotes

    The novel appears to be mere whimsy about comical Irish policemen and bicycles – but it is eerily compelling in some profound way.

    Part of the ...

    It's sinister.

Biblioklept · 2012-05-07
great 4.50

The novel is a dark, comic masterpiece that is witty, bizarre, and filled with surreal elements.

The reviewer from Biblioklept praises 'The Third Policeman' as a dark, comic masterpiece. They highlight the novel's wit, bizarre elements, and surreal qualities, which make it a unique and captivating read. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to blend these elements seamlessly, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. The novel's surreal and darkly humorous tone is particularly noteworthy, making it a standout piece of literature.


Quick quotes

    Flann O'Brien's The Third Policeman is a dark, comic masterpiece---witty, bizarre, and buzzing with surreal ...

    It's sinister.

    This is a 'comic novel.' It's also a masterpiece.

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