June 20

The Dork of Cork

By Chet Raymo

Frank Bois, born a dwarf, is a hero who really pulled at my heartstrings.  While he lives with what he calls his ugliness, he is well aware of beauty; he spends his nights observing the stars and keeping logs of his observations.  He also reads voraciously.  He has just published a book of his observations, interwoven with biographical vignettes.  Based in Cork, Frank relates the tale of his French single mother and the men in her life, who in turn influence his life.  His book brings him success and the story has a satisfying ending.

Chet Raymo is an emeritus physics professor of Stonehill College; he has published many non-fiction works that combine science and his Roman Catholic faith.  The Dork of Cork is his only work of fiction.  Prof Raymo has traveled extensively in Ireland.  Having visited Cork last October, I now share his love of this part of the Emerald Isle.