emmaschultz's review against another edition
3.25
Didn’t connect with this sadly. I might just not understand Irish culture enough to find this book as captivating as everyone else does!
thecaffeinatedlibrary's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
samembry's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing how Keegan puts so much emotion and humanity in her stories
owcase's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
phoebehales's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
garleighc's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
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
3.25
sadiereadsagain's review against another edition
3.0
The treatment of unmarried mothers in not-so-distant past Ireland has horrified and fascinated me ever since I saw the film The Magdalene Sisters. So when I saw the premise of this book, I had a feeling this would be the sort of story that would pull me in.
This is about a coal merchant, Bill, who is going about his deliveries in his local area in a winter during the 1980's, when he notices some things at the home attached to the local convent that don't sit right with him. As the son of an unmarried young woman who was thankfully supported by her benevolent employer, Bill has wrestled his whole life with knowing things could have been very different. With this history, he decides to take an action which will have repercussions in a place very much under the thumb of the catholic church.
I loved this. Atmospheric and poignant but without sentimentality, this novella makes a deep impact. And for that, I think it's strength is in it's shortness. But dammit...I really wish it was a longer book because I wanted more of this.
This is about a coal merchant, Bill, who is going about his deliveries in his local area in a winter during the 1980's, when he notices some things at the home attached to the local convent that don't sit right with him. As the son of an unmarried young woman who was thankfully supported by her benevolent employer, Bill has wrestled his whole life with knowing things could have been very different. With this history, he decides to take an action which will have repercussions in a place very much under the thumb of the catholic church.
I loved this. Atmospheric and poignant but without sentimentality, this novella makes a deep impact. And for that, I think it's strength is in it's shortness. But dammit...I really wish it was a longer book because I wanted more of this.