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sashasghost's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
i went into this expecting a nature book with a focus on the Irish language all through the lens of trauma, but the book suffers as it was neither fully a nature book not a language book nor a memoir.
there were passage that were gorgeous but sandwiched between multiple repetitive parts that felt like we were going over the same idea in a basic way, not deep enough. at points it felt like event whiplash and i couldn’t tell whether it was an intentional choice to reflect the chaos of Ní Dochartaigh’s life; the fact i couldn’t tell is not good.
i could empathise on a basic level but the emotions the life events stirred up, or lack of emotions, were never covered. nothing felt deep enough, more a general recounting of trauma the kind of which i’d give a new therapist to catch them up.
there was also little historical reference. the names of estates, the years of events. it felt strange that these weren’t included, like a fictionalised account of what happened rather than a memoir. it’s especially strange as anyone with local knowledge of Derry would be able to figure out the places so i’m unsure why they weren’t included to begin with.
i skimmed the last 2 chapters as i found myself rather fed up with the repetitiveness.
there were passage that were gorgeous but sandwiched between multiple repetitive parts that felt like we were going over the same idea in a basic way, not deep enough. at points it felt like event whiplash and i couldn’t tell whether it was an intentional choice to reflect the chaos of Ní Dochartaigh’s life; the fact i couldn’t tell is not good.
i could empathise on a basic level but the emotions the life events stirred up, or lack of emotions, were never covered. nothing felt deep enough, more a general recounting of trauma the kind of which i’d give a new therapist to catch them up.
there was also little historical reference. the names of estates, the years of events. it felt strange that these weren’t included, like a fictionalised account of what happened rather than a memoir. it’s especially strange as anyone with local knowledge of Derry would be able to figure out the places so i’m unsure why they weren’t included to begin with.
i skimmed the last 2 chapters as i found myself rather fed up with the repetitiveness.
nightpath's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Such a beautiful blend of nature writing, ancient history and memoir!
It's clear from the beginning of this book that the content is deeply reflective and personal to the author, and Dochartaigh's slow pace sets you up to respect this. Her healing is painfully slow, traumatizing and hurtful, and I liked that she didn't brush over the set backs or depth of her trauma. In short, she validated herself in the book in ways that her youngest self could never have dreamed of and that in itself is beautiful to know as you read.
In a descriptive and linguistic sense, I felt that some chapters, especially towards the end, were packed with too many adjectives and I struggled to stay focused without skipping lines. To me, the last few chapters especially, felt like one long rambling repetitive reflection which went on slightly to long at each corner. Lots of the same imagery and 'root' words are returned to around bones and blood and while this lends to the atavistic quality of the book, for me it removed any forward motion and stunted the narrative.
Nonetheless, I loved stepping into Ireland and learning about its savred beginning as well as it's extremely violent and troubled past. Dochartaigh's reflective voice and turbulent lived experience is such a valuable and grounded way to learn about the Irish Troubles and the collective Irish ontology.
It's clear from the beginning of this book that the content is deeply reflective and personal to the author, and Dochartaigh's slow pace sets you up to respect this. Her healing is painfully slow, traumatizing and hurtful, and I liked that she didn't brush over the set backs or depth of her trauma. In short, she validated herself in the book in ways that her youngest self could never have dreamed of and that in itself is beautiful to know as you read.
In a descriptive and linguistic sense, I felt that some chapters, especially towards the end, were packed with too many adjectives and I struggled to stay focused without skipping lines. To me, the last few chapters especially, felt like one long rambling repetitive reflection which went on slightly to long at each corner. Lots of the same imagery and 'root' words are returned to around bones and blood and while this lends to the atavistic quality of the book, for me it removed any forward motion and stunted the narrative.
Nonetheless, I loved stepping into Ireland and learning about its savred beginning as well as it's extremely violent and troubled past. Dochartaigh's reflective voice and turbulent lived experience is such a valuable and grounded way to learn about the Irish Troubles and the collective Irish ontology.
mushrooms_and_irishdaisies's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
qqjj's review
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, War, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, Toxic relationship, Self harm, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Grief, Classism, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
see_reads's review
I hated the writing style. It was florid, repetitive and shallow. I struggled to emphathise with Ní Dochartaigh's perspective as it felt very singular and simplistic. I didn't really feel her sketching of nature was that evocative nor moving.
onavros's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
One of the best books I've read in a long time. Anyone who had to deal with significant trauma in their life can relate to her experiences and find solace in her words.