Reviews

Amongst Women by John McGahern

comradegodzilla's review against another edition

2.0

I can appreciate the simple prose in this novel, but overall I wasn't taken in by the plot. The novel seemed to be another story of a patriarchal family being overshadowed by the head of the household. While many other books have done this before, amongst women does this in a unique way by showing confrontation between the male and female children with the father. However, despite its different approach in reconciling a patriarchal family, I couldn't help but be bored throughout the novel. I was hoping for more reflection of how being Irish would shape the family. Though, I suppose the point of the novel is that families in Ireland have become isolated and broken after the Irish revolution. The author does this very subtly, and maybe that's the brilliance of it, but overall it did not enthrall me.

lilyannn's review

challenging reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

oisin175's review against another edition

4.0

This was an interesting study of a family headed by a disillusioned freedom fighter lacking a purpose in the world he helped bring about. He is a generally caring person who wants the best for his family, though he is clearly uncomfortable that some member of his family will come out above him. The story is subtle and well-done.

brendanharrigan's review

reflective sad 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

3.25

laurenbdavis's review against another edition

3.0

A wonderful character study of Moran, a man who is, as the back of the book says, "a soldier without a battle." A man embittered and in many ways baffled by his own life and his own emotions. Complex and assured writing. I do wish it hadn't been quite so repetitive, and with some sort of a crisis point. Moran's life, surrounded now by women as the titled implies, seems to dwindle and finally peters out as a guttered candle flame. This is of course is the point and the structure is surely meant to reflect it, but still, I found myself scanning pages here and there.

avatherose's review

dark sad medium-paced

4.75

alexandrajeler's review

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

iemegosh's review

2.5

so fun love writing modern irish identities

brainwatched's review against another edition

3.0

Having read this after finishing McGahern's memoirs, I couldn't help but note the overwhelming similarities and as such found this a little repetitive.

rwalsh04's review against another edition

5.0

This book was beautiful. Tells the story of an aging father and the people who love him.