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rfwads's review against another edition
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.
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.
ejsimpson's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jchinzi's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
translove's review
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Physical abuse
vcmnsn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
‘I’m here to remember – all that I have been and all that I will never be again.’
This made me so sad and so grateful 🥲
This made me so sad and so grateful 🥲
erlhopkins's review against another edition
1.0
Was hopeful about this one based on the concept from the brief description, but it felt all over the place, was hard to read, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.
jessicary's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the perspective of this book. It's not often I read from an 85 year old's point of view. It reminded of me of my own Irish grandparents. I liked how the five toasts brought readers to the present without seeming like a timeline of someone's life. If you're looking for a bright, cheerful read, this isn't the right choice. It has more of a candid and sometimes dismal tone.
hellymp's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
Touching take. Lyrical writing - intimate
cassiethompson's review against another edition
5.0
I'll admit, at first this book was hard for me to sink in to. It had a lot of terms I didn't understand since it is an Irish novel. But I kept going and I am so glad I did.
This book is one that makes me second guess every other 5-star rating I've given. It is that good. Griffin writes a beautiful portrait of a regular man- Maurice could be any of us. He has experienced joy, love, loss, heartache, regret. Through each of his 5 toasts, and woven tales, I didn't want it to end.
"When All is Said" is a must-read. I can't explain how much I enjoyed it and how much it moved me... You'll just have to read it yourself.
This book is one that makes me second guess every other 5-star rating I've given. It is that good. Griffin writes a beautiful portrait of a regular man- Maurice could be any of us. He has experienced joy, love, loss, heartache, regret. Through each of his 5 toasts, and woven tales, I didn't want it to end.
"When All is Said" is a must-read. I can't explain how much I enjoyed it and how much it moved me... You'll just have to read it yourself.