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cfairwea's review
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ilegnealle's review
4.0
Unlike the previous books from the series, this one "only" gets four stars from me.
You have to get used to the episodical style it is written in (which is similar to 1921, 1949 and 1972), but then it's quite interesting and compelling to read. It gives you a good feeling for the time passing. And I loved all of the little details like which songs were popular at the time or new technologies like mobile phones or the internet. Though they are not vital for the plot, it helps to establish a feeling for the period of time.
I'll say, what bugged me most were these things:
-Barbara's and Barry's relationship. They were both being incredibly pretty a huge chunk of the time and both of their behaviour pissed me off a lot. Barry literally using sex to make Barbara "more easy to handle" horrified me - no, I don't think it's assault, but it sure seems like manipulation to me, and it definitely is not a productive strategy to solve their relationship problems. The fact that they were unable to have a conversation about their issues was disappointing (and yes, Barbara IS dramatic and selfcentered, but Barry can be incredibly condescending).
-I hate that Barbara wasn't taken seriously wheb she said that she didn' want kids at the beginning of their marriage. It was like Barry saying that he wanted Kids concluded the whole discussion.
-I feel like we were robbed of Barry-as-a-new-dad content.
-especially in the second half of the book I forgot the actual ages of Barry, Barbara and the kids. Barry still seemed to be just like when he was in his 30s when he is actually 60 years old at the end of the book, ageing could have been a bigger topic for Barbara (it was only mentioned once), and their children appeared so little that you didn't even get to know them properly, let alone get a feeling for their ages.
-I'm sad that Séamus got the ending that he did. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm not going to say too much, but it did seem a bit out of character for me.
This seems like a lot of criticism, but overall I still loved reading the book and I learned a lot. I know that the series is finished with this book, but now that it's 20 years later and the Brexit is stirring the whole situation again, I would love to read a sixth book too.
You have to get used to the episodical style it is written in (which is similar to 1921, 1949 and 1972), but then it's quite interesting and compelling to read. It gives you a good feeling for the time passing. And I loved all of the little details like which songs were popular at the time or new technologies like mobile phones or the internet. Though they are not vital for the plot, it helps to establish a feeling for the period of time.
I'll say, what bugged me most were these things:
-Barbara's and Barry's relationship. They were both being incredibly pretty a huge chunk of the time and both of their behaviour pissed me off a lot. Barry literally using sex to make Barbara "more easy to handle" horrified me - no, I don't think it's assault, but it sure seems like manipulation to me, and it definitely is not a productive strategy to solve their relationship problems. The fact that they were unable to have a conversation about their issues was disappointing (and yes, Barbara IS dramatic and selfcentered, but Barry can be incredibly condescending).
-I hate that Barbara wasn't taken seriously wheb she said that she didn' want kids at the beginning of their marriage. It was like Barry saying that he wanted Kids concluded the whole discussion.
-I feel like we were robbed of Barry-as-a-new-dad content.
-especially in the second half of the book I forgot the actual ages of Barry, Barbara and the kids. Barry still seemed to be just like when he was in his 30s when he is actually 60 years old at the end of the book, ageing could have been a bigger topic for Barbara (it was only mentioned once), and their children appeared so little that you didn't even get to know them properly, let alone get a feeling for their ages.
-I'm sad that Séamus got the ending that he did. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm not going to say too much, but it did seem a bit out of character for me.
This seems like a lot of criticism, but overall I still loved reading the book and I learned a lot. I know that the series is finished with this book, but now that it's 20 years later and the Brexit is stirring the whole situation again, I would love to read a sixth book too.
kanejim57's review against another edition
4.0
Llywelyn wraps up a great series, called the Irish Century Series, with 1999: A Novel of the CelticTiger and the Search for Peace. The passing of time and the aging of Barry Halloran, his mother Ursula, and the slow changes for peace in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are in focus with this final novel in the series.
I liked the ending, as well as the characters, which was not a 'to be continued' but more of a 'and that's the way it is' feel. There is still the sharpness and pride in the relationships between the characters but the Halloran journey from the Easter Uprising through the Civil War and then 'The Troubles' takes the edge off of strong characters.
This series is a wonderful series and is recommended by this reader for a helpful addition to understanding the nation of my paternal heritage.
I liked the ending, as well as the characters, which was not a 'to be continued' but more of a 'and that's the way it is' feel. There is still the sharpness and pride in the relationships between the characters but the Halloran journey from the Easter Uprising through the Civil War and then 'The Troubles' takes the edge off of strong characters.
This series is a wonderful series and is recommended by this reader for a helpful addition to understanding the nation of my paternal heritage.
welshrebel1776's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kanejim57's review
4.0
Llywelyn wraps up a great series, called the Irish Century Series, with 1999: A Novel of the CelticTiger and the Search for Peace. The passing of time and the aging of Barry Halloran, his mother Ursula, and the slow changes for peace in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are in focus with this final novel in the series.
I liked the ending, as well as the characters, which was not a 'to be continued' but more of a 'and that's the way it is' feel. There is still the sharpness and pride in the relationships between the characters but the Halloran journey from the Easter Uprising through the Civil War and then 'The Troubles' takes the edge off of strong characters.
This series is a wonderful series and is recommended by this reader for a helpful addition to understanding the nation of my paternal heritage.
I liked the ending, as well as the characters, which was not a 'to be continued' but more of a 'and that's the way it is' feel. There is still the sharpness and pride in the relationships between the characters but the Halloran journey from the Easter Uprising through the Civil War and then 'The Troubles' takes the edge off of strong characters.
This series is a wonderful series and is recommended by this reader for a helpful addition to understanding the nation of my paternal heritage.
katymvt's review
3.0
This book felt rushed. I don't know if the author just got sick of the series. Or, if there was too much info for one book, but not enough for two. The last 10 years or so just felt like it was on fast forward.
I haven't like Ursula since 1949, and while she was more likeable as an old lady, I didn't really feel she redeemed herself in my eyes. And, Barbara. Is anyone really that self-centered? We are all, every one of us, self-centered to a certain degree. But, I swear, Barbara thinks people exist only for her convenience and amusement.
And, I don't know if the author was losing track of time, but it didn't seem like she knew how old barry's kids were getting. They were born betwen 1973 or 4 and 1979 and in the mid-90s Barry is having to explain things to them. Not that I'm saying they should know everything by their 20s, but it seemed like he was explaining to literal children, not his children. And in 1997, when the oldest child was 23 or 24, he said he didn't know what he was going to be (career-wise), but whatever he did he would win. What? How can he have no idea what he's going to do with his life at that stage. He is, of course, free to change his mind, or not succeed and have to do something different, but still aimless at 23? And nobody says anything about this? Not even Ursula, AKA, Little Business-so named because she was always busy?
I haven't like Ursula since 1949, and while she was more likeable as an old lady, I didn't really feel she redeemed herself in my eyes. And, Barbara. Is anyone really that self-centered? We are all, every one of us, self-centered to a certain degree. But, I swear, Barbara thinks people exist only for her convenience and amusement.
And, I don't know if the author was losing track of time, but it didn't seem like she knew how old barry's kids were getting. They were born betwen 1973 or 4 and 1979 and in the mid-90s Barry is having to explain things to them. Not that I'm saying they should know everything by their 20s, but it seemed like he was explaining to literal children, not his children. And in 1997, when the oldest child was 23 or 24, he said he didn't know what he was going to be (career-wise), but whatever he did he would win. What? How can he have no idea what he's going to do with his life at that stage. He is, of course, free to change his mind, or not succeed and have to do something different, but still aimless at 23? And nobody says anything about this? Not even Ursula, AKA, Little Business-so named because she was always busy?
kboc923's review
3.0
Much slower moving than other books in the series, but a fitting conclusion overall.
katrinaburch's review
3.0
While I didn't enjoy this book as some of the others in the series, overall it was a good book! I didn't think the author did as well of a job explaining all the different parts of Irish politics in the late 70s, 1980s and 1990s but it was good none the less. The one thing I really didn't like about it and why it didn't get four stars was . Other than that, I thought this book went well, though I really wished Llywelyn would have
Spoiler
having Barry end up with Barbara. It was a horrible match and everybody around them knew it. I wanted to reach in to the book and wring her neck and say go back home. Barry deserves someone better. I really did not understand why the author made this relationship and the relationship never felt genuine like Ned's did with Sile. It felt very forced and almost too cliche, like oh we have to have the granddaughter of Ursula's beloved Henry end up with her son. It just didn't work for me.Spoiler
explained what happened to Seamus... just like with Kathleen from 1916, he's just dropped off the face of the earthcanada_matt's review
4.0
In the final novel of her Irish Century series, Morgan Llywelyn offers readers a high-impact story that ties off much of the violence and political clashes that left the region stained in blood. Barry Halloran continues his life as a photojournalist, eager to capture Ireland as a whole while the North is still under British control. While the world advances through the years, it would seem that Anglo-Irish relations as it relates to uniting the thirty-two colonies has reached a standstill. Meanwhile, blood flows freely as both sides seek targeted attacks to prove their points. As Barry seeks to capture all the action, he has a family now and must stay close by to better understand the concerns in his own household. While Sinn Fein, the political arm of the IRA, has begun secret talks to bring peace to fruition, there seems to be many individuals who will not be happy until violence drives the British out once and for all. The Hallorans have had a stake in the Irish Question for almost a century and the Troubles—the vernacular for these clashes—do not seem to be ending anytime soon. However, as the end of the millennium approaches, might there be a lasting peace on the horizon? Something that both sides can accept to end the senseless killing and sacrifice of innocent lives, divided by a religious conviction that is marinaded in political history? Llywelyn develops her story so effectively that the series reader will want to see how things play out, ending a powerful Irish Century.
So, there we have it. Five books that have not only spun a multi-generational tale of power and passion, but a country seeking to rid itself of foreign shackles as it limps towards a lasting independence. Morgan Llywelyn has done so well to keep the reader enthralled, while still painting a narrative full of struggle and pain. Barry Halloran again holds the protagonist role, having turned in much of his gun arsenal for a camera to capture the struggles in the North. He is still firmly republican and will stop at nothing to bring the final six counties back to their rightful place with the Irish Free State. Democracy can only go so far, it would seem, so Barry is using all his connections to push for a final solution. Ignoring his wife and family when he is wrapped up in Belfast’s ongoing strife, Barry is left to fight a war on the home front, not helped by his mother, Ursula, whose sage advice stings as much as a bullet wound at times. Other characters grace the pages and show just how complex and troublesome the Irish peace process can be. It is less the politicians who are creating issues—though Llewelyn depicts them as slow to seek lasting solutions—but the splinter groups and British Army who seek violence first and answers later. Llywelyn develops this violent narrative well, placing much of it as announcements from the historical record. The novel ties things off, especially the rejuvenated clashes that have peppered the history books throughout the 1960s and 70s, but built up again throughout the 1980s, a time I remember well. While Llewelyn is using a fiction-based delivery, her story is full of history and Irish-flavoured depictions of events as the struggle to bring peace to Ireland remains all but a done deal throughout. The series using five novels to bring the story to the forefront, impacting the attentive reader with the struggles while weaving together a family’s own personal clashes with staying together as the land they so love is jostled. Morgan Llewelyn is a masterful writer and has shown that she knows her stuff. Anyone with an interest in the Irish Question ought to find this series and devour it, as the writing flows so well and will keep the reader captivated.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for keeping Ireland relevant throughout. A perfect read in the lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day, though history is wonderful no matter the date!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
So, there we have it. Five books that have not only spun a multi-generational tale of power and passion, but a country seeking to rid itself of foreign shackles as it limps towards a lasting independence. Morgan Llywelyn has done so well to keep the reader enthralled, while still painting a narrative full of struggle and pain. Barry Halloran again holds the protagonist role, having turned in much of his gun arsenal for a camera to capture the struggles in the North. He is still firmly republican and will stop at nothing to bring the final six counties back to their rightful place with the Irish Free State. Democracy can only go so far, it would seem, so Barry is using all his connections to push for a final solution. Ignoring his wife and family when he is wrapped up in Belfast’s ongoing strife, Barry is left to fight a war on the home front, not helped by his mother, Ursula, whose sage advice stings as much as a bullet wound at times. Other characters grace the pages and show just how complex and troublesome the Irish peace process can be. It is less the politicians who are creating issues—though Llewelyn depicts them as slow to seek lasting solutions—but the splinter groups and British Army who seek violence first and answers later. Llywelyn develops this violent narrative well, placing much of it as announcements from the historical record. The novel ties things off, especially the rejuvenated clashes that have peppered the history books throughout the 1960s and 70s, but built up again throughout the 1980s, a time I remember well. While Llewelyn is using a fiction-based delivery, her story is full of history and Irish-flavoured depictions of events as the struggle to bring peace to Ireland remains all but a done deal throughout. The series using five novels to bring the story to the forefront, impacting the attentive reader with the struggles while weaving together a family’s own personal clashes with staying together as the land they so love is jostled. Morgan Llewelyn is a masterful writer and has shown that she knows her stuff. Anyone with an interest in the Irish Question ought to find this series and devour it, as the writing flows so well and will keep the reader captivated.
Kudos, Madam Llywelyn, for keeping Ireland relevant throughout. A perfect read in the lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day, though history is wonderful no matter the date!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
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