Reviews

When All is Said by Anne Griffin

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

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse and Suicide

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 🥲

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.

draculaura's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-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

5.0

colle_martin's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book. Maurice’s five toasts will make you laugh, cry and think of your own life and loved ones. This is a special book that I couldn’t put down. Bonus that it’s set in Ireland.