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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wanted to like this book more than did, but I'm glad I read it. The writing is great. It's elegant even in its profanity. It flows; there's no clanking notes, no awkward transitions. However, I never connected with the three characters, nor with the very thin veneers of their plot lines.
Farouk, the first character, has the strongest plot line. But his story is told at such a narrative arm's length, I just couldn't emotionally connect with it. The emotional "damage" of the next two characters is well-written, but seems trivial when compared to Farouk's story.
I often complain that literary fiction authors don't know how to end their stories. They often skip the hard work of plotting for an easier and maybe what they think is a cleverer/more erudite trailing off into ambiguity. To his credit, Ryan doesn't do this. The last chapter connects his narrative strands, if in, perhaps, too neat and tidy of a package.
I closed the book feeling a bit let down; that this was a swing and a miss, that Ryan had a much better book in his head that he couldn't get it onto paper. It's worth reading, but it left me wanting for more.
Farouk, the first character, has the strongest plot line. But his story is told at such a narrative arm's length, I just couldn't emotionally connect with it. The emotional "damage" of the next two characters is well-written, but seems trivial when compared to Farouk's story.
I often complain that literary fiction authors don't know how to end their stories. They often skip the hard work of plotting for an easier and maybe what they think is a cleverer/more erudite trailing off into ambiguity. To his credit, Ryan doesn't do this. The last chapter connects his narrative strands, if in, perhaps, too neat and tidy of a package.
I closed the book feeling a bit let down; that this was a swing and a miss, that Ryan had a much better book in his head that he couldn't get it onto paper. It's worth reading, but it left me wanting for more.
I was confused and impatient throughout this book wanting to understand the connection between the characters. I really liked the way the author tied them all together in the end. The writing was great. It did feel like separate stories but I think it worked well. I would have liked more depth to the characters.
3.5 stars.
I was blown away by the first section. Loved it and spent the rest of the novel wishing to get back to that. I like the 2nd less and 3rd section least of all and by that point was practically disengaged. I found it interesting the way the book resolved, but I was so many pages past invested, that it failed to be satisfying. I wish the book had been structured entirely differently. I'll check out Ryan's backlist, but ultimately I was horribly disappointed in this book.
I was blown away by the first section. Loved it and spent the rest of the novel wishing to get back to that. I like the 2nd less and 3rd section least of all and by that point was practically disengaged. I found it interesting the way the book resolved, but I was so many pages past invested, that it failed to be satisfying. I wish the book had been structured entirely differently. I'll check out Ryan's backlist, but ultimately I was horribly disappointed in this book.
Whoa.
Honestly didn't get the point until the end, when everything came together - and after I finished, I went back to try and connect the characters again.
So, the way it was written was really great. If you keep at it, the pay-off is wonderful.
Honestly didn't get the point until the end, when everything came together - and after I finished, I went back to try and connect the characters again.
So, the way it was written was really great. If you keep at it, the pay-off is wonderful.
I love Donal Ryan, and he continues to grow with each novel. I was struck in reading the section about the Syrian refugee doctor that opens the novel, that it reminded me of dystopian novels such as [b:The Handmaid's Tale|38447|The Handmaid's Tale|Margaret Atwood|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498057733s/38447.jpg|1119185]. Farouk, a doctor who lived a middle class life in Syria, escapes via a terrible boat journey, and ends up in a tent in a refugee camp. His current situation is nearly impossible for him to comprehend, and he recalls his life in Syria. While most dystopian fiction is set in the future (sometimes near future), I was struck how much the deterioration of life in Syria fit the dystopian "mold". This may not be in any way a profound observation. Stories of war are the ultimate dystopian stories.
There will be many in-depth reviews and at this time I need time to cogitate (yes, that is a word). Ryan ties together disparate stories deftly. Nothing feels forced, and that is his gift.
There will be many in-depth reviews and at this time I need time to cogitate (yes, that is a word). Ryan ties together disparate stories deftly. Nothing feels forced, and that is his gift.
I went into this book without any expectations, and came out wondering how Ryan was able to weave such a beautiful story (or stories) in such a short book. I loved each person's stories, and every sentence was beautifully crafted to convey each person's emotions as they revealed parts of their lives. I definitely did not expect how this book unfolded, and I urge every one of you give this book a try. The rollercoaster of emotions Ryan takes you on is definitely worth the read.
I went into this book without any expectations, and came out wondering how Ryan was able to weave such a beautiful story (or stories) in such a short book. I loved each person's stories, and every sentence was beautifully crafted to convey each person's emotions as they revealed parts of their lives. I definitely did not expect how this book unfolded, and I urge every one of you give this book a try. The rollercoaster of emotions Ryan takes you on is definitely worth the read.
Eclectic, elegaic and exemplary writing
This is the first book I have read by Donal Ryan and it will not be the last. The writing is impassioned, unique and hold you as you read. The sentences are long, unbroken, meaty, but they carry you, they move the story effortlessly.
What appears to be three separate and disparate stories of three different men, is woven together in a beautifully written denouement.
A book that is breathless in its writing, in its reading and in the impact it had on me.
Thoroughly recommended.
This is the first book I have read by Donal Ryan and it will not be the last. The writing is impassioned, unique and hold you as you read. The sentences are long, unbroken, meaty, but they carry you, they move the story effortlessly.
What appears to be three separate and disparate stories of three different men, is woven together in a beautifully written denouement.
A book that is breathless in its writing, in its reading and in the impact it had on me.
Thoroughly recommended.