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lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
2.0
Beautiful writing, but I just couldn't get into the story. This book follows the family and friends of Billy after he dies following a long history of alcohol abuse. Super sad start, but I just couldn't get exciting about it. The whole thing was just blah.
therealbel's review against another edition
3.0
One the slowest reads ever, and I struggled with the first half. By the end though I cared about Billy and Maeve and Dennis and about our nameless narrator. A book of normal people living a simple normal life, plagued with the normal ups and downs we all face. It's touching honesty about the issues associated with alcoholism is the reason I stuck with it though. I'm glad I didn't give up.
lizzie_5678's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“for all the love he'd poured out for friends and family for all the years that he lived, he was never, let's face it, loved sufficiently in return. Not by the one being whose love he most sought, anyway.“
This book is an incredibly melancholic reflection on grief, loss, love and addiction. A heartbreaking story, and McDermott’s writing is what really made me love this book.
This book is an incredibly melancholic reflection on grief, loss, love and addiction. A heartbreaking story, and McDermott’s writing is what really made me love this book.
cawilmoth's review against another edition
3.0
I read this for a book club. It was the hardest 250 page book to finish. It wasn't bad - the writing style just wasn't what I'm used to. There were lots of very descriptive passages about the surroundings and dialogue was kind of jumbled together. I had trouble following which characters were being described.
Also, it wasn't plot driven which is usually the kind of book I go for. So that made it hard for it to hold my attention.
Also, it wasn't plot driven which is usually the kind of book I go for. So that made it hard for it to hold my attention.
akenny614's review against another edition
5.0
Extremely interesting story in that you know all the big surprises at the beginning. There are a few surprises scattered throughout the book as well as at the end, however, to entice the reader the continue. But for me, what made the book a joy to continue and never really want to stop was the deep character development. I cared for these people. It's always sad finishing a book because the relationships you may have developed with the characters must come to an end. Especially true in this novel.
emilyisreading2024's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed Charming Billy. It's so beautiful and sad. I would definitely read it again sometime.
diane4ksu's review against another edition
5.0
I love Alice McDermott's books so much, I ration them to once a year...dreading the day I've read everything she's written. With such an unpretentious style, it's easy to underestimate her craft, but the authenticity and quiet depths of her characters always serve to remind me. Charming Billy is no different. Maybe it's the Irish Catholic in me, but I can always find something of myself in the persons that fill her books.
If you're a reader who loves nothing more than to fall in love with the characters in a book, I wholeheartedly recommend Charming Billy.
If you're a reader who loves nothing more than to fall in love with the characters in a book, I wholeheartedly recommend Charming Billy.
maryalongi's review against another edition
3.0
Charming Billy is for older readers who have experienced some loss in their lives. It's seeped in nostalgia and longing for days past, aimed at members of dying families and those with regrets. It's not about its characters or its plot. When the story ends, you won't be thinking "Man, I wish I could spend more time with my friends Danny and Billy." It's about a fading community - one the reader is acutely not a part of. I think the novel does a fairly good job of exploring its depressing themes, but I did not enjoy reading it. Great books feel like they were written especially for you - no matter who the you is. I did not feel that this book was written for me.
modeislodis's review against another edition
2.0
After reading McDermott's "Someone" and not enjoying that novel very much, I thought I'd give it another go with a National Book Award winner. Turns out I'm just not much of a fan.
Though well-written (she's an excellent observer and describes the ordinary with engaging language), I found the novel monotonous, soft, boring. I wasn't invested in the characters or their plight.
Though well-written (she's an excellent observer and describes the ordinary with engaging language), I found the novel monotonous, soft, boring. I wasn't invested in the characters or their plight.