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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
If I weren’t in the library I’d be crying rn. Absolutely worth the read
This was a truly a beautifully written story. I laughed, I cried, I yelled. I will end up reading this book again and again, feeling just as strongly each time I'm sure.
Poignant, and an easy recommendation - especially if the prospective reader enjoys sports stories (though, to be clear, this novel is much more than that). I think I still prefer "Medicine Walk", but Wagamese is an excellent writer who deserves a wide readership.
4/5
4/5
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's a decent book but I'm extremely disappointed with it.
To make a book with so many heavy topics, steeped in so much history and emotion and for it to be sub 200 pages is completely ridiculous .
Wagamese is a great author, skilled at painting detailed and emotive images, but I think more time needs to be spent fleshing out the life of the protagonist. They key events of his life seem planned but no care is given to the in between - the parts of storytelling that completely enthralls a reader in a world and connects them closely to characters.
The revelation in the final chapters is really well executed and explains so much of many frustrating decisions made by the protagonist that are difficult to understand. It's a testament to his Wagamese's skill the way he expressed the character's repression through pacing ( long stretches of time pass with minor description but the hockey matches or moments can take entire chapters) and omission of information (the revelation).
To make a book with so many heavy topics, steeped in so much history and emotion and for it to be sub 200 pages is completely ridiculous .
Wagamese is a great author, skilled at painting detailed and emotive images, but I think more time needs to be spent fleshing out the life of the protagonist. They key events of his life seem planned but no care is given to the in between - the parts of storytelling that completely enthralls a reader in a world and connects them closely to characters.
The revelation in the final chapters is really well executed and explains so much of many frustrating decisions made by the protagonist that are difficult to understand. It's a testament to his Wagamese's skill the way he expressed the character's repression through pacing ( long stretches of time pass with minor description but the hockey matches or moments can take entire chapters) and omission of information (the revelation).
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
You learn with the MC what they went through and by the time the reveal hits your left stunned because you thought they were one of the lucky ones. This is a book about self discovery and healing from trauma, even the trauma you buried deep down because you were too young to process it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Addiction, Rape, Sexual assault
Richard Wagamese is a master storyteller. I didn't know a lick about hockey, but I was right there with Saul as he flew across the ice. I shed tears for Saul, but more importantly for those he represents, as his story unfolded!! Such a good read!
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes