Reviews

When All is Said by Anne Griffin

rachelobl22's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

joshhall13's review against another edition

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3.0

6-stars on the writing. Such an amazing talent to write character voices. And the narrator nailed it.

Although... and it's probably just me, but i couldn't get into the story much.

esmem's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

booksinkandpaper2's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I began this book with lots of satisfaction with the character development, story set up and sense of place. As we went on, it felt a bit less compelling. And then when I reached the end, the author made a choice that I really didn’t like for this main character. While I understand it, I was very disappointed in the way it wrapped up. But, it was well written and paced. 

As the main character’s life choices were revealed more, especially his parenting, I came to like him less. I don’t have to love a character, but that often makes the difference in my enjoyment and desire to finish. 

Overall, I liked it a lot.  I’m glad I read it and I would read another by this author. 

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kittey2ng's review against another edition

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3.0

enjoyed overall. Even though knew what was coming it was still really sad. Really sad that he felt the effects of how he was play such a part in his life. Couldn't let go until the end.

machster9's review against another edition

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4.0

I thought this was a sweet book. I would probably rate it between 3 and 4, but I rounded up. I felt that I really got to know all the characters in Maurice's life, and the contrast between his family and the Dollards', and the way things turned tables in the end, were interesting to me.

I was surprised at some of the comments saying "there's no way an illiterate man with dyslexia could speak so eloquently". Just because someone can't read doesn't mean they can't speak well, and it certainly doesn't mean they're ignorant. The Irish are natural storytellers, and learn the use of language from people around them, as do many people. Not to mention there are many successful people who were not only dyslexic, but never really learned to read.

lisaruth's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bylogan6862_'s review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

karinlib's review against another edition

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4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Maurice Hannigan is in a hotel bar reminiscing about his life, and toasts the five most important people in his life, with an appropriate drink for each person, while thinking about their relationship with him. Beautifully written.

rfwads's review against another edition

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reflective sad

1.0

What I liked about When All Is Said:
I appreciated the concept of the main character looking back on his life and offering toasts to five important people who affected his life. It seemed like an interesting way to explore his life and the lessons he learned from these individuals.

What I disliked about When All Is Said:
I strongly disliked the main character, Maurice Hannigan. I found him to be self-centered, obnoxious, and rude, which made him quite unappealing. Additionally, the book also failed to capture my interest. The storyline felt basic, and the characters lacked depth. The writing didn't draw me in from the beginning, which made it hard to stay engaged. The ending was also disappointing, leaving me unsatisfied. The book seemed to glorify Maurice taking his own life without considering the impact on those he would leave behind, which felt out of character given his earlier regret and mourning for his brother and stillborn daughter. Overall, the ending was terrible and drove home a poor message.

What I think would have made When All Is Said better:
To be honest, I'm not sure if there's anything that could have made When All Is Said better for me. I found the book boring, and I really didn't like the main character, Maurice. My biggest problem with the book was the ending and how Anne Griffin seemed to glorify Maurice's decision to commit suicide. If I could change something about the book, I would have liked to see Maurice undergo a positive change after reflecting on his life and the mistakes and heartbreaks he's experienced. I wish the book had taken a more uplifting direction in that regard.

Would I recommend When All Is Said by Anne Griffin:
I'm aware that I'm in the minority, but I truly disliked this book. It reminded me of a Mitch Albom novel that lacked likable characters or a positive, uplifting plot. The book was a huge disappointment, especially considering its many positive reviews. Overall, I wouldn't recommend When All Is Said.

****

Maurice Hannigan reflects on his life by toasting five people who were vital to him while sitting at the bar at the Rainford House Hotel. Each drink represents someone significant: his deceased brother, troubled sister-in-law, short-lived daughter, distant son, and late wife. Through these toasts, Maurice tells the story of his life, revealing his regrets, loves, and triumphs, and discovering truths about himself along the way.