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wordsofclover's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
On Christmas Eve, Maeve Moone disappears and it's not long before her worried friends and family find her - and discover something awful. The story flips back to the start of Maeve's relationship with her husband Murtagh, their marriage and children, as well as how her death affect her husband and children after she's gone.
This is a book I couldn't really make my mind up about. From the start, the story deals very heavily with mental illness and you know the character of Maeve does take her own life - leaving a devastated family behind. Which means as you're reading the past storyline, you're doing it with a heavy heart, knowing what's coming for everyone, and the torture and pain Maeve is going to go through as her depression takes hold.
While I appreciate books shining a light on mental illness, and the terrible things it can do to a family, there was something about this story that made me feel uncomfortable. It may be because it seemed that Maeve (despite being treated as a teenager in the US) never seemed to seek help or her family never encouraged her to see someone and receive therapy or medication for her dark down days. And when you get Maeve's POV, her thoughts are very painful to read ("It's better to love a dead mother than a mad one" - no, on so many levels).
The LGBT storyline was one I did not see coming at all, and it did shock me a nit when I realised things were going that way but it was also lovely. I really liked seeing this type of storyline for a character who is older and coming into their own identity in a way that may have been impossible or even harder when they were younger. There was a sad scene of homophobia in the book near the end but it was made better by a rather wonderful lecture from the parish priest (who would have thought?) and a showing out of the village in support that brought a lump to my throat.
There were certainly elements of this book I liked but there were too many bits that made me feel weird and sad that I don't think I can articulate properly so it can't be higher than a 3-star for me.
I listened to this on audiobook narrated by Gerry O'Brien and wouldn't rate it highly either. The female voices, and American accents were a bit silly and painful.
This is a book I couldn't really make my mind up about. From the start, the story deals very heavily with mental illness and you know the character of Maeve does take her own life - leaving a devastated family behind. Which means as you're reading the past storyline, you're doing it with a heavy heart, knowing what's coming for everyone, and the torture and pain Maeve is going to go through as her depression takes hold.
While I appreciate books shining a light on mental illness, and the terrible things it can do to a family, there was something about this story that made me feel uncomfortable. It may be because it seemed that Maeve (despite being treated as a teenager in the US) never seemed to seek help or her family never encouraged her to see someone and receive therapy or medication for her dark down days. And when you get Maeve's POV, her thoughts are very painful to read ("It's better to love a dead mother than a mad one" - no, on so many levels).
The LGBT storyline was one I did not see coming at all, and it did shock me a nit when I realised things were going that way but it was also lovely. I really liked seeing this type of storyline for a character who is older and coming into their own identity in a way that may have been impossible or even harder when they were younger. There was a sad scene of homophobia in the book near the end but it was made better by a rather wonderful lecture from the parish priest (who would have thought?) and a showing out of the village in support that brought a lump to my throat.
There were certainly elements of this book I liked but there were too many bits that made me feel weird and sad that I don't think I can articulate properly so it can't be higher than a 3-star for me.
I listened to this on audiobook narrated by Gerry O'Brien and wouldn't rate it highly either. The female voices, and American accents were a bit silly and painful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
Minor: Homophobia
wanderingwordsmith's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this story about a family and their struggled over three decades. I will say, as someone who personally struggles with anxiety and depression, this was at times a little hard to read because it was discussing aspects of things I deal with myself. So if you deal with similar things, be mindful going in.
That being said this was a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Even though the story starts out with a tragic occurrence, we then go back to when Maeve and Murtagh first met and then follow them through their relationship. There are many good times, but there are also days where Maeve's bad days creep in, and the story shows the impact those days have on the whole family.
It really was a lovely story about family and love, but make sure you have tissues handy when giving it a read.
I really enjoyed this story about a family and their struggled over three decades. I will say, as someone who personally struggles with anxiety and depression, this was at times a little hard to read because it was discussing aspects of things I deal with myself. So if you deal with similar things, be mindful going in.
That being said this was a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Even though the story starts out with a tragic occurrence, we then go back to when Maeve and Murtagh first met and then follow them through their relationship. There are many good times, but there are also days where Maeve's bad days creep in, and the story shows the impact those days have on the whole family.
It really was a lovely story about family and love, but make sure you have tissues handy when giving it a read.
jbraith's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
booksbrightly's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
nickipettitt's review
5.0
Helen Cullen is such a thoughtful and charming writer. I loved her first novel and this one didn't disappoint.
Set over a thirty year period, following the family of an Irish man and American woman and their family, it is very different to The Lost Letters of William Woolf, which shows the authors emerging versatility. I will definately read more of what Helen Cullen produces in the future.
Laying bare the issues of relationships, mental health and having to grow up, the writing was sensitive and understanding. All of the characters were likeable and relatable. The descriptions of Dublin, Galway and an island off the west coast of Ireland made we want to return to Ireland and explore some more.
I recommend this book and thank the author, the publisher and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review #TheTruthMustDazzleGradually
Set over a thirty year period, following the family of an Irish man and American woman and their family, it is very different to The Lost Letters of William Woolf, which shows the authors emerging versatility. I will definately read more of what Helen Cullen produces in the future.
Laying bare the issues of relationships, mental health and having to grow up, the writing was sensitive and understanding. All of the characters were likeable and relatable. The descriptions of Dublin, Galway and an island off the west coast of Ireland made we want to return to Ireland and explore some more.
I recommend this book and thank the author, the publisher and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review #TheTruthMustDazzleGradually
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