Scan barcode
vterrazas00's review
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
oceanday8's review against another edition
4.0
Keegan can set up a book so that the setting and characters are incredibly realistic. This story has heart and depth and charm. Will keep seeking out this author.
mischorda's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
erinreadsslow's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
rachejm's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Bill Furlong is a coal merchant in an Irish town, and busier than ever as the Christmas season approaches and the weather gets colder. Furlong‘s teenaged mother was a servant at the home of a wealthy widow. When she became pregnant, Mrs Wilson kept her on in her position and encouraged her to keep the child at the manor as well. Now a married man with children of his own, Furlong had a great appreciation for the start he had thanks to the kindness of one person. So, when he discovers something disturbing when he goes to deliver coal at the local convent school, he struggles with whether to intervene, especially given the power the Church wields in this community.
Gosh but Keegan packs a lot into a small volume! There is not a wasted word or extraneous thought. Furlong’s inner struggle is evident in the way he behaves and the things he thinks about as he walks the streets of town on a snowy evening. When he makes his decision, he acts on it, deliberately, quietly, resolutely. He is confident he is in the right, and that gives him some comfort despite the possible (probable) consequences.
Gosh but Keegan packs a lot into a small volume! There is not a wasted word or extraneous thought. Furlong’s inner struggle is evident in the way he behaves and the things he thinks about as he walks the streets of town on a snowy evening. When he makes his decision, he acts on it, deliberately, quietly, resolutely. He is confident he is in the right, and that gives him some comfort despite the possible (probable) consequences.
alexutzu's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I liked this more than expected, as I expected it to mostly focus on literary aspects while being rather weak on the plot, but it was not the case. The ending was really powerful and changed my view on the book quite significantly. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
😍 The good:
The style was literary, but not that difficult to read and process. I liked the cultural discussion that the novella aimed for and the fact that it felt somewhat circular, starting and ending on similar ideas related to women, parenthood and religion. The volume was short, but packed with ideas, and the note in the end really helped in making sense of them. I also felt that the title fit with the mindset of the main character.
😅 The not-so-good:
Despite the small number of pages, the novella managed to be slow at times, probably due to its style. It also took me a while to understand where this is going, which felt a bit confusing for a part of the book.
😍 The good:
The style was literary, but not that difficult to read and process. I liked the cultural discussion that the novella aimed for and the fact that it felt somewhat circular, starting and ending on similar ideas related to women, parenthood and religion. The volume was short, but packed with ideas, and the note in the end really helped in making sense of them. I also felt that the title fit with the mindset of the main character.
😅 The not-so-good:
Despite the small number of pages, the novella managed to be slow at times, probably due to its style. It also took me a while to understand where this is going, which felt a bit confusing for a part of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Child abuse, Confinement, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent and Vomit
kaz_in_books's review
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75