Reviews

Dark Lies the Island by Kevin Barry

peewee's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious

5.0

bentersbookshelf's review against another edition

challenging reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

hieronymusbotched's review against another edition

4.0

The voice and humor in these stories makes up for the fact that more than half end without warning, or at least 'without warning' until you pick up on the telltale swell-paragraph that cues 'one page to go.' Three knockouts in there though, so a happy grabbag overall.

eeriemusick's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

duparker's review against another edition

4.0

Solid stories told with creativity and warmth

Barry has such a good grasp of language. He uses words and phrases in creative and effective ways to show the reader his stories. The care and craftsmanship in these stories is such a pleasure to experience.

harrythesequel's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced

3.5

joshgauthier's review against another edition

4.0

I continue to be surprised and impressed by Barry's work. Compared to his first collection, the stories in "Dark Lies the Island" do feel as though they have shifted a little in terms of style--at times more formal and direct than in earlier work. And as much as I enjoyed [b:There are Little Kingdoms: Stories|2563843|There are Little Kingdoms Stories|Kevin Barry|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348327182s/2563843.jpg|2572342], I did appreciate the new developments in Barry's writing.

For those expecting a romanticized view of Ireland and it's people, this is not the place to find such images. Barry's Ireland is dark and uncomfortable, captured in rich detail and unexpected situations. But the serious--and occasionally disturbing--nature of the stories is intercut with moments of humor (often dark) as well as surprising moments of sincere beauty.

Barry is a fantastic stylist, and this continues to be true, but "Dark Lies the Island" also displays a slightly different side of Barry as a storyteller. From an eclectic gathering at a rapidly flooding pub, to a young woman seeking hope for her future, Barry's stories are rough and tender, uncomfortable and honest, beautiful and sometimes painfully relatable. With rich language and a powerful grasp of craft, Barry's work does not disappoint.

zeecorster's review against another edition

4.0

Really excellent collection of stories here. I quite liked Beer Trip to Llandudno, Wistful England, Berlin Arkonaplatz — My Lesbian Summer and the title story, but Ernestine and Kit is the standout here: It's a pitch-perfect modern classic of a short story.

greenblack's review

adventurous dark funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

amslersf's review against another edition

3.0

Lots of great stories, but I can't say this book made me nostalgic for the days of more rigid enforcement of the "code." Baseball players could have used the 'restorative practices' we teach in schools today. So many ridiculous fights and career long grudges that amounted to little more than someone watching a ball too long as it cleared the fences. Worth reading though.