Scan barcode
katwalke7's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
leitning's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jessicaswhirled's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
I wanted to like this, and listened while on vacation in Ireland (mostly in Kerry County). But Artt is So Unlikeable. The ending made this tolerable, but this is not a book to make me want to read more of the author (though I’ve heard great things)
mbest75's review against another edition
Nothing really, just not holding my attention and have other books to read.
maryw's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-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
2.0
muhavipi's review against another edition
4.0
An emotional journey that draws you into the characters.
meghan_plethoraofpages's review against another edition
4.0
Haven by Emma Donoghue
Set in seventh century Ireland, Artt, a scholar and priest has a vision to set out in search of an island where he and two monks can leave the sinful world behind, and build a pure island haven. Taking one of the oldest and youngest monks with him, they set off in a small boat toward the ocean, leaving the world behind them.
This was my fourth book I’ve read by the author, and she is continually impressing with her ingenuity. Each book I’ve read is so different from the last, with really original premises. Haven is very unique; I’ve not read another book like it. I was fascinated by both the remote island setting (modern day Skellig Michael) and the 600 AD time period. The survival experiences of the monks were so interesting - the conveniences of the age, building techniques, etc. The book felt deftly researched.
The book is quite short, and while I did enjoy it, I do not think this one will have wide appeal in the way some of her previous books did. It’s slower paced, and while I thought the world-building was good (loved the atmosphere of the sea-birds for example), I think more intensity would have been welcomed. I didn’t feel the isolation and precariousness of the monks situation. Likewise, Artt’s character progression wasn’t as strong as I was expecting from this author. I was anticipating total villainy and we never got there. I really quite liked the other two monks, and felt for them.
There were a few scenes squeamish readers should be aware of, fyi.
Overall, while I enjoyed the story, it wasn’t a favourite. I will absolutely continue to read books by the author, and would recommend Haven for those who enjoy unique fiction, rarely seen settings, shorter books, and are intrigued by the premise. Haven will be available August 23! Many thanks to Little, Brown & Company, and to NetGalley for access to a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Set in seventh century Ireland, Artt, a scholar and priest has a vision to set out in search of an island where he and two monks can leave the sinful world behind, and build a pure island haven. Taking one of the oldest and youngest monks with him, they set off in a small boat toward the ocean, leaving the world behind them.
This was my fourth book I’ve read by the author, and she is continually impressing with her ingenuity. Each book I’ve read is so different from the last, with really original premises. Haven is very unique; I’ve not read another book like it. I was fascinated by both the remote island setting (modern day Skellig Michael) and the 600 AD time period. The survival experiences of the monks were so interesting - the conveniences of the age, building techniques, etc. The book felt deftly researched.
The book is quite short, and while I did enjoy it, I do not think this one will have wide appeal in the way some of her previous books did. It’s slower paced, and while I thought the world-building was good (loved the atmosphere of the sea-birds for example), I think more intensity would have been welcomed. I didn’t feel the isolation and precariousness of the monks situation. Likewise, Artt’s character progression wasn’t as strong as I was expecting from this author. I was anticipating total villainy and we never got there. I really quite liked the other two monks, and felt for them.
There were a few scenes squeamish readers should be aware of, fyi.
Overall, while I enjoyed the story, it wasn’t a favourite. I will absolutely continue to read books by the author, and would recommend Haven for those who enjoy unique fiction, rarely seen settings, shorter books, and are intrigued by the premise. Haven will be available August 23! Many thanks to Little, Brown & Company, and to NetGalley for access to a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
erbrissette's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
arianneloveland's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Boring and pointless. I would have DNF'd (and never even picked it up) if it weren't for a reading challenge prompt to choose a book to read without reading the blurb first. I chose this book because I really enjoyed Room and thought this would be good, too, but I was very disappointed with Haven. (I think I'll stick to reading blurbs and reviews before picking up books).
libraryofanisha's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0