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anniebanannie's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't actually read this by choice, it was for my English Lit. course at uni but I am so so glad that it's part of reading list.
I loved so much about this book. From its structure to its story to its characters, everything worked perfectly. I also found it absolutely heart-breaking, but well worth it. I could feel the raw emotion throughout and the way it follows the boy as he grows up really carries you along and made feel as though I was actually apart of the story.
Would most definitely recommend.
I loved so much about this book. From its structure to its story to its characters, everything worked perfectly. I also found it absolutely heart-breaking, but well worth it. I could feel the raw emotion throughout and the way it follows the boy as he grows up really carries you along and made feel as though I was actually apart of the story.
Would most definitely recommend.
isobel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
miles's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
eosie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
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
5.0
jedore's review against another edition
2.0
Couldn't finish this one...which is very rare for me. The quality of the writing was good, however there was no connection between each chapter leaving me disconnected from the book. There were no consistent characters to bond with and no story to lose oneself in. And, having just visited Ireland, I was looking forward to this read.
erin_madison's review against another edition
5.0
great book, semi autobiographical, mystery/detective. and I get to meet the famous Irish author and take his class in Dublin next semester!!!
too_many_megans_2's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pamelas's review against another edition
3.0
The writing was beautiful, the pace slow, and at times, puzzled me as I tried to figure out where the book was going. But it slowly came together to tell the story of betrayal and guilt and the ripple affects that are felt beyond the first generation. I can't say enough about the writing, which evokes the times, the place, the poetry of the Irish. I actually wished for more drama because the story and the betrayal are really quite dramatic.
pardonmywritings's review against another edition
4.0
Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane was a beautiful story that showed how family secrets were tainted by the political conflict in Northern Ireland during the 'Troubles'.
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As my second experience of Irish literature, I learnt how mythical folktales about green eyed children taken by fairies and communal anger about victims of police oppression in Derry really shaped the protagonist's identity.
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As my second experience of Irish literature, I learnt how mythical folktales about green eyed children taken by fairies and communal anger about victims of police oppression in Derry really shaped the protagonist's identity.