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distilledreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was an incredible book reflecting on life, death, and legacy. Maurice Hannigan is a convoluted character. There were some moments from his life that he recounted that had me cringing, but with each chapter and memory he shares, his reasoning and motivations become apparent. Love underscored everything in his life, but he was not able to communicate that, and that is just one thing he reflects on at the end of his life.
The premise of summing your entire lifetime up in five people with five toasts in brilliant to me. Griffin did an incredible job. This is a book that I see myself returning to and one that I had to sit in silence with when I finished.
A final note, I listened to the audiobook version and this is the best narration I have ever listened to — no exaggeration. Niall Buggy did an incredible job. The emotion in his voice had me laughing and crying throughout the book and it was the most beautiful interpretation of this character.
A final note, I listened to the audiobook version and this is the best narration I have ever listened to — no exaggeration. Niall Buggy did an incredible job. The emotion in his voice had me laughing and crying throughout the book and it was the most beautiful interpretation of this character.
stalxwj's review against another edition
5.0
oh man this book got me sobbing at the last two chapters T.T
magsisreadingagain's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
This was a heavy book, but it was very good. Maurice Hannigan spends one evening in his local raising a toast to the five most important people in his life...his brother Tony, his daughter Molly, his sister-in-law Noreen, his son Kevin, and his wife, Sadie. In doing so, we get the full picture of Maurice's life and why he's chosen to do what he's about to do at the end of the evening.
This story was sweet but mainly very sad. As an Irish farmer born in 1930, men back then didn't express their feelings freely. There are a lot of things in Maurice's life that were left unsaid, and therefore a lot of regrets. He's lonely and grieving and has lost all will to continue on. I understand where he's coming from and why he decided to do what he did, but it's hard to read about, nonetheless.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book, but I'm definitely going to be looking for something on the lighter side for my next read.
This story was sweet but mainly very sad. As an Irish farmer born in 1930, men back then didn't express their feelings freely. There are a lot of things in Maurice's life that were left unsaid, and therefore a lot of regrets. He's lonely and grieving and has lost all will to continue on. I understand where he's coming from and why he decided to do what he did, but it's hard to read about, nonetheless.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book, but I'm definitely going to be looking for something on the lighter side for my next read.
kristyc23's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
chloedev's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book when I got started. You know early on how it is going to end and it's not "happy ever after" - but I ended up enjoying the story of Maurice's life. I liked the way it was told by introducing people who had been important to him through his recollections. I'm glad I stumbled across this jewel.
caali661's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
samira2205's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25