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mergito's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written, funny and so so inspiring, of course!
kkopacetic's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
andrewritchie's review against another edition
4.0
It isn't often I read biographies of people that I know little about but I picked this up as it was recommended by Zoë Roth in her book People Stuff.
I knew little of Mary Robinson other than that she was President of Ireland. The book charts her life and work that lead her to that role and I enjoyed learning about what drove her and inspired her along that path.
I enjoyed the post Presidency elements more. Learning about the challenges in her UN High Commissioner of Human Rights work, dedication to women's rights work and later transition to climate advocacy. The natural connections of each cause to the next was fascinating and well written.
I feel I've learned a lot about an extraordinary woman and gained good insights into the diplomatic challenges of making progress on critical global issues.
I knew little of Mary Robinson other than that she was President of Ireland. The book charts her life and work that lead her to that role and I enjoyed learning about what drove her and inspired her along that path.
I enjoyed the post Presidency elements more. Learning about the challenges in her UN High Commissioner of Human Rights work, dedication to women's rights work and later transition to climate advocacy. The natural connections of each cause to the next was fascinating and well written.
I feel I've learned a lot about an extraordinary woman and gained good insights into the diplomatic challenges of making progress on critical global issues.
lazygal's review against another edition
1.0
This was a DNF not because it was poorly written, or that the life of Mary Robinson doesn't matter, but because I just wasn't engaged by this memoir. That's not to say that every memoir or life's story has to be filled with humorous anecdotes or weird relatives! It's just that, while the role Ms. Robinson played in Ireland, and the one she continues to play in the human rights movement are important, it's not the most engaging of reads. The parts about Ireland in the 60s and her childhood were the most interesting parts; the rest were informative but not - as possibly could/should have been the case - inspiring.
Copy provided by publisher.
Copy provided by publisher.
waveycowpar's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing and inspiring!
Mary Robinson writes about her life in a most thoughtful manner, her reflections are extensive and well worth reading. The premise of the book is one which drives straight to my heart as a believer in Christ and human worth as we are all made in the image of God and that's that "Everybody Matters". Mary Robinson has dedicated her life in a way that is challenging and inspiring to live this truth and make it a reality.
It's amazing to go on a journey with her in the book from her humble beginnings in Co. Mayo (the same town as my own grandmother is from) through to her thoughts on becoming a nun because of the work her aunt, a nun, did helping people, to the influence of her time in France on her decision to enter law school.
Then, practicing as a lawyer and running for Seanad Éireann and attempts to change laws, making them fairer for everyone. Her time as a European lawyer, taking Ireland to court for its failures in rights, which led to the Presidency.
President Robinson's time was one marked by the idea that everyone matters. This is starkly seen in both the opening of Áras an Uachtarán to the public and in deciding personally what events needed a presidential visit.
This life proving everyone matters took her from Ireland to a global scale as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, followed by Realizing Rights and being a global Elder.
What an amazing life and a brilliant legacy she has built. This book is certainly worth a read for anyone interested in Irish politics/law/modern history, those interested in human rights, those interested in women's issues, those from County Mayo (the Taoiseach should probably read it, he's letting the side down a little), and those interested in recent world history.
Mary Robinson writes about her life in a most thoughtful manner, her reflections are extensive and well worth reading. The premise of the book is one which drives straight to my heart as a believer in Christ and human worth as we are all made in the image of God and that's that "Everybody Matters". Mary Robinson has dedicated her life in a way that is challenging and inspiring to live this truth and make it a reality.
It's amazing to go on a journey with her in the book from her humble beginnings in Co. Mayo (the same town as my own grandmother is from) through to her thoughts on becoming a nun because of the work her aunt, a nun, did helping people, to the influence of her time in France on her decision to enter law school.
Then, practicing as a lawyer and running for Seanad Éireann and attempts to change laws, making them fairer for everyone. Her time as a European lawyer, taking Ireland to court for its failures in rights, which led to the Presidency.
President Robinson's time was one marked by the idea that everyone matters. This is starkly seen in both the opening of Áras an Uachtarán to the public and in deciding personally what events needed a presidential visit.
This life proving everyone matters took her from Ireland to a global scale as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, followed by Realizing Rights and being a global Elder.
What an amazing life and a brilliant legacy she has built. This book is certainly worth a read for anyone interested in Irish politics/law/modern history, those interested in human rights, those interested in women's issues, those from County Mayo (the Taoiseach should probably read it, he's letting the side down a little), and those interested in recent world history.
bgg616's review against another edition
5.0
This is an essential read for anyone who is interested in the social changes that have occurred in Ireland from the 1980's to now. Robinson became aware of human rights very early in her life as a school girl in Mayo. She comes across as a truly compassionate person, and not at all egotistical despite her accomplishments. Her descriptions of the United Nations gave me insight into how contentious things get in this in this institution. However, I don't want to go off on a tangent and take the focus of this remarkable woman and her story.
sibear's review against another edition
4.0
I am astonished of how late I discovered Mary Robinson's inspiring career and how few can name her still. This memoir gives the reader an insight into her life, from being President of Ireland to establishing the movement on climate justice. She has such an important message, and such a compassionate way of conveying it.
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