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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I seem to be in the minority here, but I was sorely disappointed by this one. When All Is Said is told as a compilation of five toasts given by a somewhat crotchety protagonist, Maurice. At 84 years old, Maurice has lived a full, tumultuous life. We learn more about this rollercoaster of his life through his toasts to his brother, sister-in-law, daughter, son and wife.
Every toast reveals a new layer to Maurice, seemingly explaining how he got to be who he is today. It becomes clear that the five people to whom Maurice toasted all greatly impacted his life and his character, each in a unique way.
While all the elements of great story telling are present in this somewhat-short novel, I just didn't connect with it. I had a hard time getting into it, as Maurice was not a concise narrator. Sure, there were parts when I simply could not put the book down, but there were also parts where I couldn't will myself to get excited enough to pick it back up.
All-in-all, it was fairly average. Nothing groundbreaking nor life-changing about it for me.
Every toast reveals a new layer to Maurice, seemingly explaining how he got to be who he is today. It becomes clear that the five people to whom Maurice toasted all greatly impacted his life and his character, each in a unique way.
While all the elements of great story telling are present in this somewhat-short novel, I just didn't connect with it. I had a hard time getting into it, as Maurice was not a concise narrator. Sure, there were parts when I simply could not put the book down, but there were also parts where I couldn't will myself to get excited enough to pick it back up.
All-in-all, it was fairly average. Nothing groundbreaking nor life-changing about it for me.
I'm sad and satisfied at the same time. Wonderful storytelling, superb writing. Was so drawn to the story, I could hardly put it down. It felt like I really got to know Maurice and the people he'd loved and lost. I just really wanted to hug him and tell him it's okay to let it all out. The ending, however bittersweet, fit the story perfectly.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The biggest struggle I had with this book were the long chapters. It is a beautiful story of Maurice reflecting on his life and the people and decisions that helped shape him.
Maurice has come to the bar one last time to make five toasts to the most important people in his life. His trip down memory lane surrounding each person provides a lovely glimpse into his life - the beautiful, the ugly and everything in between. I loved Maurice like I loved Ove, but with a wonderful Irish flare!
Хубава книга. Слабост са ми ирландските автори. Единствено ме отегчи историята за монетата. Както и напоследък се потрисам на подбора на някои автори - историята да се поднася като разказ от първо лице до някого друг, в случаят сина на Морис. И човек остава с усещането че тези хора не се познават, или никога не се прекарвали време заедно.
3.5 So technically I didn't finish this. But I got to one chapter from the end and we talked about it in book club.
I don't have much to say about it. I don't think it's worthy of the many, many five star reviews. It starts off glacially slow and uninteresting, and I called his "plan" almost immediately. I did get more into it after the second chapter, and while the storytelling lacks structure (befitting the chosen style), I particularly enjoyed the stories of the more distant past.
I listened to some of the audiobook and it has pleasant narration. I would say it's worth reading if you like this type of book, which isn't really my type of book.
I don't have much to say about it. I don't think it's worthy of the many, many five star reviews. It starts off glacially slow and uninteresting, and I called his "plan" almost immediately. I did get more into it after the second chapter, and while the storytelling lacks structure (befitting the chosen style), I particularly enjoyed the stories of the more distant past.
I listened to some of the audiobook and it has pleasant narration. I would say it's worth reading if you like this type of book, which isn't really my type of book.
So beautifully written. The loneliness of the elderly is a topic that is really important to me, and I was certainly welling up in some moments. I knew Maurice’s death was coming, but I kept hoping it wouldn’t. But I also absolutely understand why he did it. There were moments I felt confused by some of the characters and even at the end had to remind myself who was who. Overall a feel good book. And a feel sad book.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes