The Guts

Jimmy Rabbitte, the creator of the Commitments, is in his late forties and living in Dublin with his wife and four children. He has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. He doesn't believe he is dying, though he cannot be sure. Between rounds of chemotherapy and his job, he keeps busy with his old passion for music and his talent for a deal. His latest scheme is tracking down forgotten bands and locating the fans who would pay online for their revived recordings.

Along the way he runs into two former Commitments: Outspan Foster, whose illness is likely fatal, and Imelda Quirk, who has lost none of her appeal. He also reconnects with his long-estranged brother, Les, and takes up the trumpet.

The novel deals with friendship, family, and the choice to live fully while facing mortality. It is by Roddy Doyle and continues the story of Jimmy Rabbitte from The Commitments.