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kipbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
rachelobl22's review
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
joshhall13's review against another edition
3.0
6-stars on the writing. Such an amazing talent to write character voices. And the narrator nailed it.
Although... and it's probably just me, but i couldn't get into the story much.
Although... and it's probably just me, but i couldn't get into the story much.
esmem's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<kittey2ng's review
3.0
enjoyed overall. Even though knew what was coming it was still really sad. Really sad that he felt the effects of how he was play such a part in his life. Couldn't let go until the end.
machster9's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was a sweet book. I would probably rate it between 3 and 4, but I rounded up. I felt that I really got to know all the characters in Maurice's life, and the contrast between his family and the Dollards', and the way things turned tables in the end, were interesting to me.
I was surprised at some of the comments saying "there's no way an illiterate man with dyslexia could speak so eloquently". Just because someone can't read doesn't mean they can't speak well, and it certainly doesn't mean they're ignorant. The Irish are natural storytellers, and learn the use of language from people around them, as do many people. Not to mention there are many successful people who were not only dyslexic, but never really learned to read.
I was surprised at some of the comments saying "there's no way an illiterate man with dyslexia could speak so eloquently". Just because someone can't read doesn't mean they can't speak well, and it certainly doesn't mean they're ignorant. The Irish are natural storytellers, and learn the use of language from people around them, as do many people. Not to mention there are many successful people who were not only dyslexic, but never really learned to read.
lisaruth's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.75
bylogan6862_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
karinlib's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Maurice Hannigan is in a hotel bar reminiscing about his life, and toasts the five most important people in his life, with an appropriate drink for each person, while thinking about their relationship with him. Beautifully written.