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reallyintoreading's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
liviaslibrary's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
emilymaer's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jzerkee's review against another edition
5.0
Gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, thought-provoking and uplifting. Up there with other Wagamese books - what an amazing writer.
junglezee's review against another edition
5.0
As I went down in the river to pray, studyin' about that good ol' way! And who shall wear that starry crown? Lord, show me the way...
This is a song that's sung in O Brother, Where Art Thou? and it came to mind a few times while reading this book. I like the song and find it beautiful, and beautiful is, in every measure, the way to describe Ragged Company. It's an absolutely majestic undertaking that's executed perfectly. The book relies on the use of film and movies to accentuate the inner journeys of the characters, and the movies are used in ways that I loved.
A quick way to describe this is, "I really, REALLY loved this book." It is one of my favourites that I've ever read. It's beautiful, jarring, sad, uplifting, unique, unusual, special, mythical, and, did I mention, beautiful? I'd highlight entire sections of the text on my eReader and write a little note that said, "Beautiful." This happened multiple times. There are chapters that ... it's like a peacock. When you see the whole peacock with its tail wide, you're like, "Damn, that's a beautiful peacock" – that's what the whole book is like. However, if you find a single feather from the tail of that peacock, you might also say, "Damn, that's beautiful." Individual chapters of this book could read so beautifully and strikingly that the natural reaction was to put the book down.
One thing I truly adored about this book was the chapter length. The chapters are fairly quick and that makes for a very accessible reading pace that doesn't demand so much of the reader's time. Nonetheless, I feel that I developed a deep connection to this book and I will hopefully read it again someday. It's a special read from a now-late author, I'm keen to check out more of his work.
This is a song that's sung in O Brother, Where Art Thou? and it came to mind a few times while reading this book. I like the song and find it beautiful, and beautiful is, in every measure, the way to describe Ragged Company. It's an absolutely majestic undertaking that's executed perfectly. The book relies on the use of film and movies to accentuate the inner journeys of the characters, and the movies are used in ways that I loved.
A quick way to describe this is, "I really, REALLY loved this book." It is one of my favourites that I've ever read. It's beautiful, jarring, sad, uplifting, unique, unusual, special, mythical, and, did I mention, beautiful? I'd highlight entire sections of the text on my eReader and write a little note that said, "Beautiful." This happened multiple times. There are chapters that ... it's like a peacock. When you see the whole peacock with its tail wide, you're like, "Damn, that's a beautiful peacock" – that's what the whole book is like. However, if you find a single feather from the tail of that peacock, you might also say, "Damn, that's beautiful." Individual chapters of this book could read so beautifully and strikingly that the natural reaction was to put the book down.
One thing I truly adored about this book was the chapter length. The chapters are fairly quick and that makes for a very accessible reading pace that doesn't demand so much of the reader's time. Nonetheless, I feel that I developed a deep connection to this book and I will hopefully read it again someday. It's a special read from a now-late author, I'm keen to check out more of his work.
sunshynne's review against another edition
5.0
The first Richard Wagamese book I read was "One Native Life." I read it just over a year ago and I was hooked. I soon read "Medicine Walk," and the started "Ragged Company."
Richard was a master storyteller and with every new book I read, I find myself completely engulfed in the characters and their stories. I want everyone I know to read his books and to love them as much as I do. I almost dread the time when his books end because I don't want to leave the story, but I do look forward to be able to start the next one.
When I heard Richard had died, I didn't want to finish "Ragged Company." I had about 70 pages left, and I didn't want to reading because the thought that he will not be writing anymore stories is too sad. I had plans to spend the rest of 2017 reading more of his books, but suddenly I wanted them at arms length. He quickly became one of my favorite authors, and I didn't want to read them and then have nothing left. But I knew I had to finish this book because I loved it so much and I had to know what happens to the characters.
Then ending was perfect. What happens to one of the characters was unexpected, but it was just what I needed to read. It made the news of Richard's passing easier to take. It was beautiful, and I'm glad I finished it.
I will recommend his books to anyone who will listen. I really do believe everyone should read at least one of his books.
Richard was a master storyteller and with every new book I read, I find myself completely engulfed in the characters and their stories. I want everyone I know to read his books and to love them as much as I do. I almost dread the time when his books end because I don't want to leave the story, but I do look forward to be able to start the next one.
When I heard Richard had died, I didn't want to finish "Ragged Company." I had about 70 pages left, and I didn't want to reading because the thought that he will not be writing anymore stories is too sad. I had plans to spend the rest of 2017 reading more of his books, but suddenly I wanted them at arms length. He quickly became one of my favorite authors, and I didn't want to read them and then have nothing left. But I knew I had to finish this book because I loved it so much and I had to know what happens to the characters.
Then ending was perfect. What happens to one of the characters was unexpected, but it was just what I needed to read. It made the news of Richard's passing easier to take. It was beautiful, and I'm glad I finished it.
I will recommend his books to anyone who will listen. I really do believe everyone should read at least one of his books.
smalltownbookmom's review
5.0
Ragged company by Richard Wagamese is an incredibly heartbreaking and humanizing story of four chronically homeless people, “Rounders,” who come together on one of the coldest nights of the year to find shelter in a movie theatre. Timber, Digger, Double Dick and Amelia “One for the dead” One Sky also meet Granite, a down on his luck reporter in the theatre and all five form lifelong bonds that get tested as they find a winning lottery ticket. Eventually we learn of the tragic circumstances that led each of them to a life on the street and how having money doesn’t necessarily make their lives better. “I was still the same man. Nothing had changed but my appearance...All the sirs and all the politeness, all the nods, small salutes and other signs of inclusion couldn’t hide the fact that I was still a ragged man inside.” This book was Wagamese at his best - highly recommend!!
romyschnaiberg's review against another edition
5.0
A must read!!
Beautifully told stories of 5 unlikely friends navigating life. Richard Wagamese speaks for the indigenous, the displaced, the homeless and those who want to help but don’t know how.
Beautifully told stories of 5 unlikely friends navigating life. Richard Wagamese speaks for the indigenous, the displaced, the homeless and those who want to help but don’t know how.
selinayoung's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible. Wagamese has an amazing ability to pull me in so completely to each character and the story.
kayaerie's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I absolutely loved how the voice changed so distinctly each chapter, depending on whose POV you were reading. A quick read, but a great one. Wagamese takes a simple premise and engulfs you, leaving you hooked and wanting to learn more about his memorable characters.