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lsparrow's review against another edition
4.0
In the past year I had watch an archeological documentary about this place - Skellig michael.
I enjoyed this possible story of this place. My only difficulty was with the ending - the reason for the young monk's rejection seemed unlikely and the response felt more modern in it's thinking and response than the story.
I did like the themes of godliness, purpose, solitude/community.
I enjoyed this possible story of this place. My only difficulty was with the ending - the reason for the young monk's rejection seemed unlikely and the response felt more modern in it's thinking and response than the story.
I did like the themes of godliness, purpose, solitude/community.
amiefw's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
belbookandacuppa's review against another edition
challenging
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
ggrillion's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
sllaclaire's review against another edition
2.0
Disliked the main character so much, it impacted my impression of the whole book. Slow story, with hard issues but a satisfying ending (I guess)?!?
shrimpybear's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
kleonard's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautiful book about the agonies of the soul and the desperation of self-appointed religious leaders. Three monks set forth to live on a rocky and stark island today known as Skellig Michael.. Artt believes he has been chosen by God for this path, only to put faith before survival and pay the price for it; Cormac and Trian labor for Artt only to finally come to a decision that will not involve him. It's a quiet book, capturing the natural world of medieval Ireland. It moves in a slow and steady pace and presents and develops the world and the monks with great care. Early on, I knew there was a secret--Donoghue's books and stories often have these--that would led to betrayal, but I was surprised by the way that the betrayer realizes his mistake and seeks to rectify it in very real ways. This will be great for book groups.
heidihaverkamp's review against another edition
4.0
Three monks in the 7th century begin a new community at Skellig Michael, a rocky island off the coast of Ireland. At first, the characters came off as flat religious stereotypes to me, then the language deepened and the theology of their inner thoughts became more nuanced (a lot of the book is these three characters thinking to themselves as try to survive with the island and each other). They felt familiar to me: the striving, visionary, perfectionist leader, the simple-but-wise and capable elder who prefers to work behind the scenes, the eager, teachable young adult seeker. There were monks living on Skellig Michael from the 600s to the 1200s or so - more than 1500 years ago. Donoghue did her research. Another fun book imagining life on Skellig Michael is Sun Dancing, by Geoffrey Moorhouse.
melanied01's review against another edition
challenging
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
4.0