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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I loved this book! As the narrator raises his glass for 5 toasts to five players in his 84 year-old life, it is impossible not to reflect on your own (as well as your loved one’s.) The book feels honest and reflective, but also matter-of-fact. To me, I could feel my father in the voice, although my father would never share so much.
To me, it felt decidedly masculine. I was so glad to see this side as a woman, to read these thoughts, most especially as the narrator relays the way he related with other people. I’m impressed the author found that point of view and executed it in such a genuine way. I loved Maurice for the imperfect man he was.
To me, it felt decidedly masculine. I was so glad to see this side as a woman, to read these thoughts, most especially as the narrator relays the way he related with other people. I’m impressed the author found that point of view and executed it in such a genuine way. I loved Maurice for the imperfect man he was.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but Maurice's story affected me deeply. A reflection on loneliness, regret, and, ultimately, love. Beautifully told and incredibly poignant.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book! The author did a great job in building up the character of Maurice by giving further glimpses into who he is by reminiscing on his various relationships he’s had in his life from brother, daughter, son, all the way to wife. It was a tear jerker in some parts but was a nice easy read about love, loss, and family.
And now I raise a toast to Maurice Hannigan, an 84-year-old Irishman, for taking me on the journey of his life. Full of his regrets, his losses, his mistakes but also of love, insight and some humor. Pull up a seat/bar stool m and learn about his story through his toasts to five beloved family members.
“But having spent half my life distracted by what was outside - my deals, my empire – I often forgot to see what lay inside and how precious it was.”
Overheard conversation of Sadie, his wife, speaking to their four year old son about loving himself:
“Because if you love this wee boy, and are always kind to him and always try to understand him then I think he will be the happiest little man in the whole wide world.”
This one broke me. Self-love is what so many of our world’s children need. To see themselves as worthy when others around them may not. In fact, it’s what we all need. Put your oxygen mask on first and then go and change the world one kindness at a time ❤️.
“But having spent half my life distracted by what was outside - my deals, my empire – I often forgot to see what lay inside and how precious it was.”
Overheard conversation of Sadie, his wife, speaking to their four year old son about loving himself:
“Because if you love this wee boy, and are always kind to him and always try to understand him then I think he will be the happiest little man in the whole wide world.”
This one broke me. Self-love is what so many of our world’s children need. To see themselves as worthy when others around them may not. In fact, it’s what we all need. Put your oxygen mask on first and then go and change the world one kindness at a time ❤️.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the best books I've read in a long time!
I never for a second thought someone else than Maurice was writing the letter. All the way I suffered with him and felt the love for his wife.
I don't know what else to say about the book than that it was magical and I loved every single page.
I never for a second thought someone else than Maurice was writing the letter. All the way I suffered with him and felt the love for his wife.
I don't know what else to say about the book than that it was magical and I loved every single page.
Amazing on audio. An 84 year old Irishman sits down at a bar to toast the 5 people who have had the most impact in his life. As he remembers, the reader learns the story of his life. His triumphs, struggles, loves, and losses. I laughed and had my heartstrings tugged. I really loved this one.
I don't normally comment on books, but having read the rave reviews for this book I was excited to read it. What a let down! It rolled out every Irish cliché imaginable - horrible Anglo-Irish landowner, incurable sickness, rural poverty, relative in the mental asylum (complete with nuns), emigration to America etc. Is there nothing else to write about in this land?! Why do we love dwelling and therefore, writing about the grim parts of our past? I tried to stick with it, but finally gave up in the last chapter. Life is too short to read a book you aren't enjoying
A slow burn, this is a gentle journey through one man's life. Told in flashbacks, it's a subtle exploration of character.
I read it because it was compared favourably with A Man Called Ove, but it was lacking the humour that I love. I did enjoy it though.
I read it because it was compared favourably with A Man Called Ove, but it was lacking the humour that I love. I did enjoy it though.