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ddb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
slow-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? Yes
4.0
tovahreadsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
brookebuonauro's review against another edition
5.0
I can’t believe what this book did in <200 pages
burbs's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
4.25
Beautifully written and devastating. I loved this book!
annabelws23's review against another edition
4.0
3.5* rounded up for the quality of the end.
I found I didn’t always keep a sustained engagement with this book, although admittedly I read most of it late into the evening. I thought at times it was often overly verbose - which due to the political and economic landscape of the book is not a criticism, but the first person narration by protagonist Hart, who himself claims to be the brawn not the brains of his family, felt like the interjection of Hughes’ voice/intellect (it is eminently clear throughout the book that she is an incredibly intelligent woman).
I found the brothers relationship to be compelling and well executed, particularly in the biblical allegory used to frame them throughout - this is followed through into a turn at the ending that was both surprising and set up beautifully in hindsight. There were a couple of scenes which really stuck with me, the priests story and the card game to name a couple.
Overall, while I wasn’t completely blown away by this book as a lot of people have been, it is a book that I will take away with me and keep thinking on. It certainly was a bleak epic in miniature, and for the depth of character and backdrop I must applaud Caplin Hughes. It will probably become a book that sticks with me and as I think on it will grow more into a 4* book in its own right.
I found I didn’t always keep a sustained engagement with this book, although admittedly I read most of it late into the evening. I thought at times it was often overly verbose - which due to the political and economic landscape of the book is not a criticism, but the first person narration by protagonist Hart, who himself claims to be the brawn not the brains of his family, felt like the interjection of Hughes’ voice/intellect (it is eminently clear throughout the book that she is an incredibly intelligent woman).
I found the brothers relationship to be compelling and well executed, particularly in the biblical allegory used to frame them throughout - this is followed through into a turn at the ending that was both surprising and set up beautifully in hindsight. There were a couple of scenes which really stuck with me, the priests story and the card game to name a couple.
Overall, while I wasn’t completely blown away by this book as a lot of people have been, it is a book that I will take away with me and keep thinking on. It certainly was a bleak epic in miniature, and for the depth of character and backdrop I must applaud Caplin Hughes. It will probably become a book that sticks with me and as I think on it will grow more into a 4* book in its own right.
jamesdanielhorn's review against another edition
5.0
A remarkable piece of modern Irish literature, Caoilinn Hughes’ The Wild Laughter is a breathless black comedy with poignancy. The book explores masculinity, morality, familial relationships, and love. Stunning prose and gallows humor keep the story balanced, and rolling right along. I found the novel heart wrenching, but the moments of hope and humanity never let the story completely gut me like a lamb for a Sunday roast. Sure to be in many a best of the year list and certainly topping mine.
teyn's review against another edition
3.0
The luscious Hiberno-english in this absolutely warmed my soul, but the story didn't live up to the linguistic richness.
beetlady's review against another edition
5.0
This book ripped my heart out and ground it to applesauce.
Not what I was expecting based on the blurb.
Not what I was expecting based on the blurb.