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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I loved the first half of it. Wonderful evocation of childhood and Irish countryside. The last half was not as good for me; maybe I just can't accept that people are so trapped by life events. It did provoke me to think about the issue, though, so that is a positive.
This is a Hardyesque novel set in Ireland over the course of the 20th century. The impetus for the plot takes the form of two misunderstandings which result in a lifetime of separation and grief. The rather rushed last fifth of the novel brings a sort of resolution in Lucy's ability to forgive and show mercy. It is a very wistful novel in many ways, the characters of Lucy, her father, and the servants Henry and Bridget upholding the structure of the lives described.
The writing is very lyrical, another resemblance to Hardy, and conjures up the upheaval of the Troubles and the new Ireland of independence as they affect a rural community.
The writing is very lyrical, another resemblance to Hardy, and conjures up the upheaval of the Troubles and the new Ireland of independence as they affect a rural community.
I'm not into historical fiction, generally. But The Story of Lucy Gault, set in Ireland, has a certain sweetness to it without being overly romantic or flowery.
A heartbreaking story and so so much food for thought. This one is going to stay with me for a while.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Sometimes you have to read different things. This was different for me. Romantic history hum
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
A hauntingly sad story of how miscommunication can lead to losses and opportunities not taken. Despite this, the book is also filled with love and kindness and the characters are beautifully drawn. William Trevor is a superb writer of dark stories. His prose is wonderful but it is difficult to read slowly and savour each sentence and as one is desperate to know how the story ends.
The single sandal found among the rocks became a sodden image of death; and as the keening on the pier at Kilauran traditionally marked distress brought by the sea, so did silence at Lahardane.