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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
2.5 Stars
My favorite part about this book was the quality of the writing. The fact that I didn't like the main character or his choices doesn't take away from the fact that this is very well written. I struggled to really enjoy large portions of this story because while I felt for everything that Maurice had gone through I was left largely unconnected to him. I found him to be incredibly selfish in his decisions and really didn't understand how anyone liked him all that much let alone figure out what his wife saw in him to be drawn to. All of his tragedies were sympathetic more because of the circumstances than for him as a person. The thing I found most touching was actually his seeing the ghosts of those he lost to early.
The format of this novel was actually quite lovely and I enjoyed the way it was structured. The idea of the toasts and what them meant was interesting. I just wish it had had more impact for him. I think a large portion of my dislike and frustration again comes down to how I felt about Maurice's selfishness. The way everything came together at the end was both expected and felt like a copout. I couldn't help but compare this story to [b:A Man Called Ove|18774964|A Man Called Ove|Fredrik Backman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405259930l/18774964._SY75_.jpg|21619954] and found it severely lacking in comparison. The two stories have similar plots and character types, but where one finds joy and a world still to appreciate, the other still had things going for him, but yet chose to see none of it. I found myself sympathizing the most with Kevin. I hurt for him to find this letter from his father and imagine his reaction could be nothing more than pained.
The concept here was good and interesting, the writing quality itself was lovely as well. I just found myself disconnected from the character and his choices which hurt the story for me overall.
My favorite part about this book was the quality of the writing. The fact that I didn't like the main character or his choices doesn't take away from the fact that this is very well written. I struggled to really enjoy large portions of this story because while I felt for everything that Maurice had gone through I was left largely unconnected to him. I found him to be incredibly selfish in his decisions and really didn't understand how anyone liked him all that much let alone figure out what his wife saw in him to be drawn to. All of his tragedies were sympathetic more because of the circumstances than for him as a person. The thing I found most touching was actually his seeing the ghosts of those he lost to early.
The format of this novel was actually quite lovely and I enjoyed the way it was structured. The idea of the toasts and what them meant was interesting. I just wish it had had more impact for him. I think a large portion of my dislike and frustration again comes down to how I felt about Maurice's selfishness. The way everything came together at the end was both expected and felt like a copout. I couldn't help but compare this story to [b:A Man Called Ove|18774964|A Man Called Ove|Fredrik Backman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405259930l/18774964._SY75_.jpg|21619954] and found it severely lacking in comparison. The two stories have similar plots and character types, but where one finds joy and a world still to appreciate, the other still had things going for him, but yet chose to see none of it. I found myself sympathizing the most with Kevin. I hurt for him to find this letter from his father and imagine his reaction could be nothing more than pained.
The concept here was good and interesting, the writing quality itself was lovely as well. I just found myself disconnected from the character and his choices which hurt the story for me overall.
This was a good story - I appreciated the premise of this older man looking back on his life and raising a toast to the people in his life most deserving of it. The ones who made an impact on him, and who he became.
I liked the interweaving of characters and the reflection on a life lived, successes and regrets and all. The acknowledgement that he could have been a better father and husband, and let those who loved him know just how much he loved them in return.
There was just something about the sentimentality that didn't quite....reach me? I felt I should be more moved by some of the story, and yet I wasn't. I don't know that it's the book's fault - I think it might just be the matching of this book with me as a reader that fell short somehow. It was a good book, and a short one, it just didn't have the emotional impact on me that I think it was going for.
And that's okay - they can't all be winners for everyone. And it was still a worthwhile read.
I liked the interweaving of characters and the reflection on a life lived, successes and regrets and all. The acknowledgement that he could have been a better father and husband, and let those who loved him know just how much he loved them in return.
There was just something about the sentimentality that didn't quite....reach me? I felt I should be more moved by some of the story, and yet I wasn't. I don't know that it's the book's fault - I think it might just be the matching of this book with me as a reader that fell short somehow. It was a good book, and a short one, it just didn't have the emotional impact on me that I think it was going for.
And that's okay - they can't all be winners for everyone. And it was still a worthwhile read.
I liked the way the story unfolded and parts of the mystery. It went a lot of directions, some interesting some a little much. Probably would recommend
If you were looking for the perfect example of how narrative fiction can build empathy in the reader, look no further than this debut. We only have one life, and 84-year-old Maurice Flanagan has decided to reflect upon his, alone, from his barstool in a hotel bar. Through a series of toasts to the five most important people in his life, he reminisces, not just glorying in the special moments, but also owning (and feeling guilt about) the uglier side of how he chose to live. Poignant, heart wrenching, joyful and humorous, the pathos is big in this one. Maurice is a flawed human, but he’s a charmer.
emotional
reflective
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:
N/A
This was such a beautiful and emotional read. Maurice and his story will stay with me for a long long time.
Very sad at times, but touching. Really liked the layout and premise of this book, but felt it could have been a bit more in depth.