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3.25 AVERAGE
3.25 AVERAGE
This book, while set in a charming Irish village, with a charming plot about a mobile library van, was difficult to love at first. Though I wanted to be sympathetic towards librarian Hanna (middle-aged, divorced, living with her mother), at first she is determined to make irritating decisions and have a thoroughly unlikeable attitude, which is only slightly better than the meddlesome and overbearing personality of her mother. But over time as the plot rolls along, behind-the-scene machinations make themselves clear, unexpected community members come together, and Hanna learns to open up, to let go, and to find peace, making this worth the read in the end.
This book, while set in a charming Irish village, with a charming plot about a mobile library van, was difficult to love at first. Though I wanted to be sympathetic towards librarian Hanna (middle-aged, divorced, living with her mother), at first she is determined to make irritating decisions and have a thoroughly unlikeable attitude, which is only slightly better than the meddlesome and overbearing personality of her mother. But over time as the plot rolls along, behind-the-scene machinations make themselves clear, unexpected community members come together, and Hanna learns to open up, to let go, and to find peace, making this worth the read in the end.
This was a book that in theory I should have loved! A librarian saving a library? In a little town in Ireland? Yes, please.
However, I never liked the main character Hanna Casey. There were moments when I thought I liked her, but those were moments that felt out of place because of other descriptions of Hanna. So, I’d go right back to not caring for her.
However, I never liked the main character Hanna Casey. There were moments when I thought I liked her, but those were moments that felt out of place because of other descriptions of Hanna. So, I’d go right back to not caring for her.
⭐⭐⭐ / 3 stars
I feel like it took me forever to finish this book. The character development is lovely but it's a slow paced read and the plot feels like an afterthought until more than halfway through.
I enjoyed the characters and getting to know them. The main character and her mom reminded me of Olive Kitteridge.
The Library at the Edge of the World was selected for our library's May book club discussion.
In the end I enjoyed bits and pieces; particularly in the latter half but I won't be continuing the series.
I feel like it took me forever to finish this book. The character development is lovely but it's a slow paced read and the plot feels like an afterthought until more than halfway through.
I enjoyed the characters and getting to know them. The main character and her mom reminded me of Olive Kitteridge.
The Library at the Edge of the World was selected for our library's May book club discussion.
In the end I enjoyed bits and pieces; particularly in the latter half but I won't be continuing the series.
I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read a paper copy rather than listening to the audiobook.
This read was a bit tedious, too many names, too much whining, too much unnecessary dysfunctional characters. I'll be interested to hear what book club members say.
I received this book as a digital ARC from Edelweiss for an honest review.
What I liked: This was a lovely story about a small Irish town and it's inhabitants. The author did a fabulous job making the reader feel like they were living right there along-side Hanna, Conor, Fury, and the rest of the town. I liked seeing Hanna's transformation from curmudgeon to a genuine member of the town.
What I didn't: I got bored at times around the middle. Hanna's crankiness in regards to the library didn't seem to be warranted. Quite a few of the backstories seemed to be added for filler and didn't advance the story in the least. They were also many of the parts that bored me.
Overall, this was a nice read, but it's not going to excite many.
What I liked: This was a lovely story about a small Irish town and it's inhabitants. The author did a fabulous job making the reader feel like they were living right there along-side Hanna, Conor, Fury, and the rest of the town. I liked seeing Hanna's transformation from curmudgeon to a genuine member of the town.
What I didn't: I got bored at times around the middle. Hanna's crankiness in regards to the library didn't seem to be warranted. Quite a few of the backstories seemed to be added for filler and didn't advance the story in the least. They were also many of the parts that bored me.
Overall, this was a nice read, but it's not going to excite many.
A nice, calm yet exciting journey of a read. Felicity Hayes-McCoy paints a gorgeous picture of small-town life on an Irish peninsula. Easily added to my list of favourites.
The first word that comes into my head when I recall this book (which I only just now finished) is lovely. It is a lovely story, through and through. Hanna Casey is a librarian and a sourpuss. She has returned some years earlier to her native home in Ireland after years in London, married and raising a daughter. Her return is precipitated by a divorce, which partially explains her lingering bitterness. The perspective of this novel switches seamlessly between Hanna, the main voice, and a few supporting characters, as Hanna has to put aside her gruff exterior and work to mobilize her community, which is facing a life-altering change. Of course the setting and the story are near and dear to my heart. I’ve never been a small town librarian, but the descriptions here make me wish I could be, despite Hanna’s discontent. I do know the reality of trying to explain to non-believers the value of the library, and I admire the struggle put up by these downtrodden but resilient folks. Finfarran is an imaginary place, but the author brings it to vivid life. I can hardly wait to visit again.