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llamallama527's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
The narrator is incredible- if you're going to read this book, I highly recommend the audio. That being said - before you decide to read this book, seriously consider the content warnings. This book is incredibly well written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Cursing and Child death
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Violence
This is a very simple spoiler about whether or not the book has a happy ending, in case you need to know before you begin.booksinkandpaper2's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I began this book with lots of satisfaction with the character development, story set up and sense of place. As we went on, it felt a bit less compelling. And then when I reached the end, the author made a choice that I really didn’t like for this main character. While I understand it, I was very disappointed in the way it wrapped up. But, it was well written and paced.
As the main character’s life choices were revealed more, especially his parenting, I came to like him less. I don’t have to love a character, but that often makes the difference in my enjoyment and desire to finish.
Overall, I liked it a lot. I’m glad I read it and I would read another by this author.
As the main character’s life choices were revealed more, especially his parenting, I came to like him less. I don’t have to love a character, but that often makes the difference in my enjoyment and desire to finish.
Overall, I liked it a lot. I’m glad I read it and I would read another by this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Suicide, Violence, Child death, and Death
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<liz4242's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Violence, Suicide, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
nurlou's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death, Grief, Violence, Child death, Cancer, and Drug abuse
brontet97's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
annaledbetter's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, and Alcoholism
ampinfrance's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An enjoyable book, and an interesting writing style. I liked the way I learnt about the life of the main character as I read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Death
Moderate: Violence
bookswithhan's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, Grief, Mental illness, Suicide, and Violence
becca_thegrimreader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.”
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
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Violence and Suicide
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