The moving story of an Irish immigrant's life, from a poverty-stricken childhood in Ireland to becoming a captain of industry, After the Roof Caved In is a powerful, poignant look at how hard work and education enabled one young man to change his life and circumstances completely
Michael J. Dowling tells the story of his Irish immigrant life and his journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in Ireland to becoming a CEO in America. His rags-to-riches story takes him from his destitute youth to his realization of the power of education and hard work to change his life.
“Stand and cheer for Mike Dowling's epic journey from the hard road to the high road and for the power of an immigrant life to make a huge difference.” —Jim Dwyer, New York Times best-selling author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner
“There are immigrants who are very successful, then there are immigrants who split the atom. The second type are very rare; Michael Dowling is one of just two I have met. He tells a cinematic story of the small villages in Ireland that is emblazoned in his soul, alongside the account of his astonishing achievements that are rooted not in the Harvard Business School manual but in the hard lessons learned tilling that lonely Irish soil. With searing honesty, like ripping a bandage off a deep wound, Dowling recounts his childhood in an impoverished family on the perpetual cusp of danger, violence, penury, separation, and desperation. Yet somehow he did not just endure but triumphed against all odds, brought himself to America, and achieved in one generation what should have taken three.
After the Roof Caved In is a stunning and important book.” —Niall O'Dowd, author of
A New Ireland “Be you prince or pauper, Irish immigrant, Michael Dowling’s undaunted quest for higher education and a better life is a motivating primer for never giving up. His engaging story of coming to America is alive with Celtic wisdom and wit. This awe-inspiring saga is a life-changing read.” —Dolley Carlson, author of
The Red Coat: A Novel of Boston
