Reviews with content warning for Death - When All Is Said

Maurice Hannigan is an eighty–four–year–old man, sitting in the bar of his local hotel he begins to chronicle his life. He raises a toast to five of the most important people in his life over the course of one night.

This book has been on my to-read list ever since it came out, and now having read it I am kicking myself for not having gotten to it sooner. Maurice is a character, a man that has worked hard and becomes incredibly successful. But we learn through his toasts how his childhood was very different, growing up in a family that worked for the Big House. His treatment by his employers was appalling and he decides to seek revenge by outstripping them in wealth and land over the years. To be honest, knowing this about Maurice does not endear him to a reader, I don’t know if I would like to have met him during those years. However, in the present, he reckons with himself and his conscience for his past actions. The result is a man being honest with himself and feeling truly ashamed for how he has acted. Maurice of the present day is a lot more likable, in a sense you could describe him as a typical Irish man. He is a man that loves his family, but can’t express it. He’s also a little grumpy and has a fierce sense of humour throughout the book.

Each toast is a monologue, and I think it would be an amazing play if it's ever adapted. Maurice details his experience with grief and loss, and for many this will resonate. Some of the imagery and writing in these sections are beautiful, and they struck a chord with me while I was reading it. Maurice’s love and deep connection to those around him are abundantly evident in each of these chapters, and it’s clear that loneliness has become the main part of his life. It is one of those books where you just want to jump into the pages and hug a character.

The style of writing blew me away, I was astounded that this was a debut book. I felt connected with each of the characters, and I was sad to finish the book. Maurice is a wonderful character, fully realised to the point that you can imagine him speaking to you in your head. I am not afraid to admit I did cry at the end of this book, but reading it was a beautiful journey. This is one that I know I will read again.

Content Warnings

sjanke2's review against another edition

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dark emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

A sweet mix between The Heart's Invisible Furies + A Man Called Ove.

Content Warnings

bodiesinbooks's review against another edition

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sad medium-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

3.0

Content Warnings

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