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pickwickthedodo's review against another edition
2.0
This book is tough for me to review because it started and ended really strong, but everything in the middle was incredibly underwhelming.
I genuinely was in tears, like half an hour into this audiobook. It was so sad. The set up for what the book actually is - an elderly man toasting the five most important people in his life - was great. I was totally in the mood to hear these toasts and learn about why these people were so important to him.
And then the toasts started and I disengaged completely. There were so many tangents and hangups on tiny things, I found it nearly impossible to stay engaged with the story. I'm sure I missed at least two hours of the book because it was so easy for my mind to wander. I didn't care about anything Maurice was saying. It was exhausting. I missed full chapter switches because I was so disinterested. Suddenly, I was on Chapter 5, and I didn't remember being told I was on Chapters 2-4. It was the longest short book I've ever read.
The last 45 minutes were much better, and the story felt much more like it related to Morris directly. Though you know how the book is going to end quite early on, that doesn't take away from the searing pain of listening to it play out. I genuinely was sobbing during my dinner vegetable prep, trying not to get tears all over my zucchini.
So, yeah. Strong start, strong finish, but everything in the middle made me want to turn the thing off.
I genuinely was in tears, like half an hour into this audiobook. It was so sad. The set up for what the book actually is - an elderly man toasting the five most important people in his life - was great. I was totally in the mood to hear these toasts and learn about why these people were so important to him.
And then the toasts started and I disengaged completely. There were so many tangents and hangups on tiny things, I found it nearly impossible to stay engaged with the story. I'm sure I missed at least two hours of the book because it was so easy for my mind to wander. I didn't care about anything Maurice was saying. It was exhausting. I missed full chapter switches because I was so disinterested. Suddenly, I was on Chapter 5, and I didn't remember being told I was on Chapters 2-4. It was the longest short book I've ever read.
The last 45 minutes were much better, and the story felt much more like it related to Morris directly. Though you know how the book is going to end quite early on, that doesn't take away from the searing pain of listening to it play out. I genuinely was sobbing during my dinner vegetable prep, trying not to get tears all over my zucchini.
So, yeah. Strong start, strong finish, but everything in the middle made me want to turn the thing off.
ashleycagle7's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookofcinz's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
It’s an awful thing, to witness your mother cry. You cannot cure nor mend nor stick a plaster on.
What a heart-warming read. I smile so much read reading this. I don't know what it is about books set in Ireland that generally warms my soul while reading. When All Is Said is the story of Maurice Hannigan, a story he tells by raising a toast to the five of the persons who helped to shape his life. In raising the toast to these five persons Maurice tells us about the life he lived.
A very endearing read.
It’s an awful thing, to witness your mother cry. You cannot cure nor mend nor stick a plaster on.
What a heart-warming read. I smile so much read reading this. I don't know what it is about books set in Ireland that generally warms my soul while reading. When All Is Said is the story of Maurice Hannigan, a story he tells by raising a toast to the five of the persons who helped to shape his life. In raising the toast to these five persons Maurice tells us about the life he lived.
A very endearing read.
kirstendumo's review against another edition
5.0
See that? Yes, down on the ground? Well that’s my heart ripped into pieces.
This book, wow, what can I say. I loved it. The way the story unfolded. The heart and soul of this grumpy Irish man as he shared his deepest secrets, wishes and regrets. I highly recommend this book.
This book, wow, what can I say. I loved it. The way the story unfolded. The heart and soul of this grumpy Irish man as he shared his deepest secrets, wishes and regrets. I highly recommend this book.
dragnfly18's review against another edition
3.0
I really thought this was going to have the same feel as The Five People You Meet in Heaven (a favorite of mine). I was excited to get my hands on it and waited about two months for it to be available at the library. Unfortunately, I was left with a feeling of just...meh. While the stories had touching parts, they're just wasn't enough of it. It was mostly Maurice working through his regrets with some dashes of heart-warming tales that changed his life for the better. It just wasn't what all the reviews made it out to be, and I was let down and left wishing for something far more touching and relatable.
megrosen88's review against another edition
3.0
The main character Maurice has a reflective tone as he shares his wisdom, joy, and sorrow of a life well lived. He gives five lengthy toasts that give you a glimpse of the people who helped him grow and change. I enjoyed the book but found the intent behind his toasts a little grim and sad. I also wished for shorter chapters or more frequent page breaks.
kathyblais's review against another edition
2.0
This book just wasn't for me. It was too slow, and I never really got into it.
amn028's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favourites for the year. The main character is three dimensional with flaws which make him realistic and relatable.